If you are looking for a delicious crowd-pleaser that combines comfort, freshness, and a burst of flavor in every bite, this Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of tender pasta coated in a velvety, tangy dressing, loaded with crisp veggies and sharp cheddar cheese. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a sumptuous side, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe are simple, yet each plays an important role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Combining creamy, tangy, crispy, and cheesy elements ensures that every forkful is an exciting experience.
- 2 cups cooked pasta: The base of the salad, choose your favorite short pasta like rotini or penne for great texture.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess for the dressing to cling to the pasta.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Introduces a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps thin out the dressing for a smooth, luscious consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Adds essential acidity for balance, cutting through the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts warming, aromatic notes without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth of the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that elevates all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and heat.
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber: Provides refreshing crunch and a burst of green color.
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it enlivens the salad visually and in taste.
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Infuses a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: A fresh herbaceous burst that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to hold up under the creamy dressing. Once cooked, thoroughly drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely, which prevents the salad from getting soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. This duo creates the luscious base for the dressing. Next, add 1/4 cup of milk and whisk everything together until silky smooth. The milk helps loosen the texture so every piece of pasta gets coated evenly.
Step 3: Flavor the Dressing
Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon white vinegar, which add beautiful tang and depth of flavor. Then season the dressing with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for a well-rounded, savory profile. Whisk the dressing until completely combined and nice and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Gently fold the cooled pasta into the dressing, making sure each curly or tubular piece is luxuriously coated. This step is where the salad starts coming to life with creamy goodness wrapping every bite.
Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies and Cheese
Next, incorporate 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped red onion. These vegetables add exciting crunch and vivid pops of color. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, which adds creamy richness and a slight tangy bite, then fold gently to combine without breaking the pasta or bruising the veggies.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Chill
Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give it one final gentle mix. The parsley brightens the flavor and adds a lovely fresh green touch. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors meld beautifully and the salad chills perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning serving touch, top your creamy pasta salad with a few fresh parsley leaves or even a light dusting of smoked paprika. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar just before serving can make it even more irresistible. These garnishes add both visual appeal and flavor depth that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it an ideal barbecue side. It also complements picnic fare such as sandwiches or fried chicken splendidly, turning any meal into a feast of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomato cups for an individual serving that wows. You can also spoon it into crunchy lettuce cups for a low-carb bite. Plating the salad with colorful edible flowers adds a festive vibe ideal for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the dressing, making it just as delicious when enjoyed the next day.
Freezing
Due to the mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing this salad is not recommended as it can separate and alter the texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation for optimal flavor and consistency.
Reheating
This pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving rather than reheating, which might disrupt the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, fusilli, or even small shells work great because their shapes hold onto the dressing well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it maintains texture in the salad.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan mayo and coconut or cashew-based sour cream. Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, and adjust seasonings to your liking. It will still yield a creamy, tasty salad.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
This salad benefits from chilling for at least one hour, but you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or diced ham are great additions for a heartier meal. Fold the protein in gently with the veggies for a balanced bowl of deliciousness.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, try shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a tangy feta. Each will bring a different character to the salad but keep that creamy, cheesy appeal going strong.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe enough—it’s one of those reliably wonderful dishes that always gets compliments and repeats. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a creamy, flavorful salad that’s perfect anytime you need a crowd-pleasing side. So go ahead, make it soon, and watch it become a favorite at your table too!
Print
Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. This recipe combines tender cooked pasta with a tangy and creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, mixed with fresh vegetables and cheddar cheese for texture and taste.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Begin by cooking 2 cups of pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine mayonnaise and sour cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
- Add milk: Add 1/4 cup of milk to the bowl and whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in mustard and vinegar: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for tangy flavor.
- Season dressing: Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Whisk dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine pasta with dressing: Add the cooked and cooled pasta into the dressing and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Add vegetables: Next, add 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup of chopped red onion into the pasta mixture.
- Mix vegetables evenly: Stir everything together carefully so the vegetables are distributed evenly throughout the salad.
- Add cheddar cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad and fold it in gently.
- Garnish with parsley: Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta salad for added freshness and color.
- Final mix: Give the salad one final gentle mix to incorporate the parsley.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the creamy pasta salad and enjoy.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad at least 1 hour before serving.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option.
- Add cooked chicken or ham to make it a more filling main dish.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, fusilli, or macaroni.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
