Creamy pasta salad is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, picnic, or family dinner, this creamy pasta salad will be a hit. The blend of mayo pasta salad and tangy pasta dish flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds. 

This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a refreshing, cold pasta dish that complements almost any main course.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Making creamy pasta salad is simple, and it’s easy to adjust the flavors to your liking. The first step is to choose your pasta shape. Rotini pasta is a popular choice because the spiral shape holds the creamy dressing well, but you can use any cooked and cooled pasta like fusilli or bowtie pasta. Once your pasta is boiled and drained, it’s important to cool it completely so the dressing doesn’t melt or separate.

Next, it’s time to prepare the sweet mayo-based dressing. Combine mayonnaise with a little sour cream for extra creaminess, then add a touch of Dijon mustard and garlic powder for a flavorful kick. This tangy dressing brings out the best in the ingredients. Toss in your chilled pasta and mix well to coat. You can even add shredded carrots, celery slices, or frozen peas thawed for added texture and freshness.

Creamy Pasta Salad Ingredients

The beauty of creamy pasta salad is how versatile it is. The main ingredients include mayo, sour cream, and your choice of pasta. For extra flavor and crunch, you can add veggies like celery slices, shredded carrots, or green peas. To make it heartier, throw in some cheddar cheese cubes or cubed cheese for a creamy bite.

If you want a protein-packed salad, consider adding cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, or even diced ham. The key to a great pasta salad is balancing the flavors of the dressing with the veggies and cheese. You can also make it tangy and sweet by adjusting the sweetness of the dressing with a bit more sweet sauce or a dash of vinegar.

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Instructions

To start, boil your pasta until it’s al dente—not too soft. Drain it, rinse with cold water, and set it aside to cool completely. While the pasta cools, prepare your dressing. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise dressing with sour cream, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust the flavor if you like it more tangy or sweet.

Once the pasta is cool, add your diced celery, shredded carrots, and any other veggies or proteins you plan to use. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the salad and chill it for at least an hour. The creamy condiment will settle and absorb the flavors, making it even better.

Notes

If you’re short on time, you can use frozen peas thawed instead of fresh ones, or you can skip the protein if you prefer a lighter salad. If you like extra crunch, try adding some cheddar bites or cheese chunks. For best results, let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for a while to allow all the flavors to meld.

Remember, this creamy pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time. If you’re planning to serve it at a side dish for cookouts, make sure you have enough to go around! It pairs perfectly with cowboy baked beans or even old fashioned potato salad.

Conclusion

Creamy pasta salad is the ultimate side dish, combining fresh ingredients and a tangy, velvety dressing to create a crowd-pleasing favorite. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to family dinners. 

With customizable ingredients and a simple prep process, this dish is a delightful addition to your table. Plus, its make-ahead convenience means you can enjoy more time with loved ones while serving up a flavorful, refreshing salad that’s guaranteed to impress.