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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist for Summer Gatherings

Creamy Pasta Salad is a versatile dish, perfect for summer gatherings, blending rich flavors and colorful vegetables into a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta Can substitute with rotini or penne.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Use light mayo for a healthier version.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can be swapped with Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Fresh lemon is best.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar is a good alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be used if needed.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup works as a substitute.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Can substitute with diced bell peppers.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini can serve as an alternative.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Green onions can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Any color works.
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Any color works.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Green olives make a tasty substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill Consider basil or mint as alternatives.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Consider basil or mint as alternatives.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Omitting it can make for a dairy-free version.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the fusilli pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Once the pasta has cooled, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over the pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
  4. Fold in the Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers to the pasta and dressing mixture, carefully folding them in.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in freshly chopped dill and parsley gently.
  6. Incorporate Feta Cheese (Optional): If using feta, crumble it over the salad and gently fold it in.
  7. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning; serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving.

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