This easy creamy pasta salad is perfect for any gathering. Just cook your favorite pasta, mix it with a creamy dressing, and toss in colorful veggies!
I’ll often make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it a great choice for busy days! Enjoy it as a side or a tasty main dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-Color Rotini Pasta: I love using tri-color pasta for its fun look. If you have other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne, feel free to substitute. Just make sure it’s a similar size for even dressing coverage!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option. If you’re avoiding mayo, try a vegan mayo or even a creamy vinaigrette for a fresher twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, diced cucumbers or chopped bell peppers work wonderfully too!
Salami or Pepperoni: I personally enjoy the flavor that salami brings, but diced cooked chicken or even tofu are great alternatives for a different taste!
Fresh Herbs: Basil adds a nice touch, but parsley or dill can also brighten up the salad. If herbs aren’t available, dried herbs work in a pinch; just use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has the Best Flavor?
Getting the dressing just right is essential for making your pasta salad delicious. Here’s how to ensure a balanced flavor:
- Whisk the dressing ingredients well to blend flavors. I always taste it before mixing with the pasta to adjust seasonings.
- Make sure the pasta is cooled properly before mixing. This way, it won’t wilt the veggies or make the cheese soggy.
- Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If possible, aim to prepare this a day ahead!
These steps will really help bring your dish to life and keep it refreshing!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced salami or pepperoni
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm yet tender. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps cool the pasta quickly and prevents it from getting mushy.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Give it a quick taste to adjust the seasoning as needed!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Once your pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl of creamy dressing. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the dressing, ensuring every twist is covered!
4. Add the Veggies and Protein:
Next, fold in the colorful ingredients: 1 cup of cherry tomatoes or diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of sliced black olives, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese cubes, and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced salami or pepperoni. Mix everything gently—this isn’t a race, so take your time to combine the salad without breaking the pasta or veggies!
5. Garnish and Chill:
Finish it off by sprinkling 1/4 cup of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top. If you’d like, add some additional black pepper for an extra kick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving it. Chilling helps meld all those delicious flavors together!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamy pasta salad is now ready to enjoy! Serve it cold as a side dish at picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners, and watch it disappear!
This creamy pasta salad is colorful and packed with fresh veggies, cheese, and savory salami—an easy dish that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully due to its spirals holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or macaroni. Just make sure to cook it to al dente!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Your leftover creamy pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken while chillin’!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by using vegan mayo and a non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream. Swap the salami for diced vegan sausage or chickpeas for added protein!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
The great thing about pasta salad is its versatility! You can mix in any veggies you like, such as cucumbers, peas, or artichokes. Adding nuts or seeds can also give it a nice crunch!
