This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is perfect for summer! With tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a rich creamy dressing, it’s cool, tasty, and super refreshing.
You can whip this up in no time! I love serving it at picnics and BBQs, and leftovers? They somehow vanish quicker than I can put them away. 😂
It’s a breeze to prepare, and it pairs well with everything! Plus, you can toss in any veggies you have on hand, making it versatile and fun to customize!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini Pasta: This pasta adds a fun pop of color to your dish! If you can’t find tri-color rotini, any pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or even macaroni works great. Just ensure it’s a shape that holds the dressing well.
Salami or Pepperoni: I love the bold flavor of salami, but turkey or chicken sausage can be good substitutions for a lighter option. You could also use diced ham or even omit meat altogether for a vegetarian salad.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is fantastic. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, try part-skim mozzarella, or even feta cheese for a tangy twist!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley give the salad an aromatic freshness. If you don’t have them, dried herbs can work. Just remember the flavor is more concentrated, so use about 1/3 of the amount suggested.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: I often swap sour cream for Greek yogurt as it’s creamier and healthier. Coconut yogurt offers a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for something plant-based.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Stays Creamy?
The key to a creamy pasta salad is all in the preparation! Make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking. This halts the cooking process and also helps prevent it from getting gummy. It’s all about keeping that delightful texture!
- Once your pasta is cool, mix everything quickly to avoid letting it sit too long and absorb the dressing.
- The creaminess comes from the dressing—mixing mayo, sour cream (or yogurt) with vinegar and mustard gives that perfect tang.
- For added creaminess, consider adjusting the ratio of mayo to sour cream if you prefer a richer dressing.
Chilling the salad for at least an hour is essential, as it allows the flavors to blend nicely, and the dressing becomes even more delightful. Enjoy your pasta salad at gatherings or as a chilled lunch during those hot summer days!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced salami or pepperoni slices, cut into strips
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. In just a little over an hour, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step will cool it down and stop it from cooking further.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami or pepperoni, cubed mozzarella cheese, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, and both the chopped basil and parsley. Toss everything together gently to mix it well.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing, ensuring everything is well mixed.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give the pasta salad a taste! If it needs more flavor, you can add a little extra salt and pepper to suit your taste.
6. Chill the Salad:
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’ll be nice and chilled for serving!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pasta salad out of the fridge. Serve it cold as a delicious side dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or barbecues. You can enjoy it on its own or alongside your favorite grilled meats!
This creamy pasta salad is a picnic favorite with its vibrant colors and flavors! You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how well it holds up in the summer heat. Enjoy! 🌞
FAQ About Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients may settle a bit.
What Can I Substitute for Salami or Pepperoni?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the salami or pepperoni with diced turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, try adding chickpeas or diced avocado for protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta salad is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. It may thicken a bit in the fridge, so feel free to add a splash of milk or extra dressing when serving leftovers.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even sweet corn would make a delicious addition!
