This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. With tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to please everyone!
You can whip this up in no time, which is great when you’re running late for a gathering. Plus, it’s so tasty that I often make extra just for myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use tri-color rotini for its fun look and texture. However, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great too! You could even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Bell Pepper: Red adds sweetness and color, but feel free to substitute with yellow or orange peppers for a similar taste. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it altogether.
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you’re looking for a stronger flavor, try feta cheese. For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese can be used.
Meat: Pepperoni is my go-to. You can easily swap it for turkey pepperoni, cooked bacon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Dressings: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, but Greek yogurt or sour cream can lighten it up. For a healthier kick, mix half mayo with half yogurt!
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta until it’s “al dente” means it’s firm but cooked through. Here’s how to nail it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta and stir it immediately to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta packaging for cooking time. Start tasting a minute or two early.
- When it’s ready, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. This also prevents it from clumping.
With these tips, you’ll have a great base for your creamy pasta salad, ready to be mixed with all those tasty ingredients!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or small mozzarella balls)
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or salami slices
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare this dish and at least 1 hour to chill it in the refrigerator. This gives it time for all those yummy flavors to come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, diced mozzarella, chopped pepperoni or salami, and chopped fresh basil. Mix everything gently until well combined.
3. Make the Creamy 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 pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing will make your pasta salad rich and delicious!
4. Mix the Dressing with the Pasta:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if you like.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. When you’re ready, serve the pasta salad chilled, garnished with extra fresh basil or black pepper if you desire!
Enjoy your colorful, creamy pasta salad perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with any gluten-free pasta available. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers 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 a bit over time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this pasta salad vegan, use plant-based mayonnaise and substitute the cheese with vegan mozzarella. You can also add additional chopped veggies for flavor and texture!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
You can get creative! Try adding chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced celery, or even sweet corn for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces to mix well with the pasta.
