There’s just something about a creamy pasta salad that makes every gathering feel extra special, isn’t there? This recipe for Creamy Pasta Salad has been my go-to for picnics, barbecues, and family get-togethers for years. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, with its vibrant colors and rich flavors that just scream summer! The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream creates a luscious dressing that clings to every piece of pasta and crunchy veggie. Trust me, once you make this delightful salad, it’ll become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Perfectly chilled, it’s refreshing, satisfying, and so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it again and again! So, let’s dive in and get started!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz pasta (preferably rotini or penne)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup peas (frozen, no need to thaw)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Pasta Salad
Making this Creamy Pasta Salad is super simple and honestly so much fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready to impress your friends and family in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for about 8-10 minutes for a perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain it in a colander and run some cold water over it to stop the cooking process. This step is super important because we want to chill the pasta for the salad!
- While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Give it a good stir until it’s nice and well blended—this is the creamy base of your salad!
- Next, add in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and frozen peas. Yep, no need to thaw those peas; they’ll chill perfectly in the salad. Stir everything together until all the veggies are evenly coated with that creamy dressing.
- Now, it’s time to incorporate the cooled pasta! Gently fold it into the mixture, making sure every piece gets its fair share of the creamy goodness.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—taste as you go! Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
And there you have it! A refreshing, creamy pasta salad that’s just waiting to be devoured. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious Creamy Pasta Salad (1 cup): approximately 300 calories, 20g of fat (3g saturated), 5g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains about 400mg of sodium and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoying this salad in moderation is definitely part of the fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Rich, creamy flavor that everyone adores—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile ingredients mean you can customize it to your taste.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and let the flavors develop.
- Serves beautifully as a side dish or a light main course.
- Perfectly refreshing, especially on warm days or picnics!
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Pasta Salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, taste your dressing before mixing in the pasta—adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper. For added flavor, consider tossing in some herbs like dill or parsley; they brighten up the dish beautifully! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or add diced proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. And remember, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes lets those flavors meld together wonderfully. Enjoy the process!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
When it comes to this Creamy Pasta Salad, there are plenty of ways to make it your own! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy yet healthier twist. For those who want to add protein, shredded chicken, diced ham, or even chickpeas work wonderfully—just mix them in with the veggies! If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a plant-based mayonnaise or sour cream alternative. And don’t hesitate to switch up the veggies; bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli can add a lovely crunch and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. It’s also fantastic with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra dressing. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving it next to a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables for a colorful spread. And let’s not forget about picnic vibes—this salad is perfect next to hot dogs or burgers! Trust me, it’ll be the star of the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Creamy Pasta Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days—perfect for enjoying those tasty flavors again! When you’re ready to dig in, there’s no need to reheat; it’s best served chilled. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute that creamy dressing. If you find it’s thickened a bit in the fridge, feel free to add a splash of milk or a bit more mayonnaise to bring it back to life. Enjoy every last bite!
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Creamy Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy pasta salad perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and peas to the bowl.
- Stir in the cooled pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add your choice of protein like chicken or tuna.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta Salad