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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

This Creamy Pasta Salad recipe is your ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing meal or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures without the fuss. Its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients make it a go-to choice for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner, proving that delicious homemade food can be incredibly easy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Salad
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dried pasta such as rotini, penne, or bow ties
  • 1.5 cups mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped
Optional additions
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Optional
  • 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Optional
  • 1 cup bell peppers chopped, any color, Optional
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas thawed, Optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften slightly in the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.
    1 pound dried pasta
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. The combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly zesty elements creates the signature flavor of this salad.
    1.5 cups mayonnaise, 0.25 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing mixture. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the pasta will absorb some of the salt, so it’s okay if it tastes slightly seasoned.
    1 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper
  4. Add the drained and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Add the finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. If you are using any of the optional additions like shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped bell peppers, or thawed frozen peas, now is the time to add them to the bowl as well.
    1 pound dried pasta, 1 cup celery, 0.5 cup red onion, 0.5 cup fresh parsley, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 cup bell peppers, 0.5 cup frozen peas
  5. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure that every component is well distributed throughout the salad.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious Creamy Pasta Salad. For the best flavor, it’s ideal to let it chill for a couple of hours or even overnight. Serve cold.

Notes

Properly storing your Creamy Pasta Salad is key to enjoying its deliciousness for days to come. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not ideal for texture but possible for 1-2 months. Serve cold; thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Stir well if dressing separates upon thawing.