This creamy pasta salad is a tasty blend of colorful veggies, pasta, and a rich dressing that ties everything together. It’s perfect for picnics or potlucks!
I love how quick it is to whip up—just boil the pasta, chop the veggies, and mix. It’s a hit every time, and the leftovers—if there are any—are even better! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This pasta adds a fun twist with its vibrant colors. You can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli, if rotini isn’t available.
Cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper: I love using both for sweetness and color. If you prefer, substitute with diced cucumbers or even sweet corn for a crunch!
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls bring great creaminess. If you’re looking for a firmer cheese, try diced cheddar or gouda instead.
Black olives: They add a nice salty flavor. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or swap them for green olives or diced pickles!
Pepperoni or salami: I enjoy the added protein and flavor these meats give. For a vegetarian option, use diced tofu or leave them out completely.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both give a creamy texture. Greek yogurt is a healthier choice! You could use ranch dressing for a different flavor profile too.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad?
Getting the right creaminess is key in this pasta salad. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Cook pasta until it’s al dente—this keeps it from getting mushy.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Create the creamy dressing by combining mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth!
- Gently fold your pasta and veggies into the dressing. This avoids breaking the pasta or veggies.
- Chill for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Trust me, letting it sit makes a huge difference! Enjoy your creamy pasta salad that everyone will love.
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (mini mozzarella balls or cubes)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni or salami slices
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to allow at least 1 hour for chilling so the flavors can meld together. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick side dish or potluck!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the tri-color rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also cool it down so it’s ready to mix!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, quartered cherry tomatoes (or diced red bell pepper), diced mozzarella cheese, sliced black olives, diced pepperoni or salami, and chopped fresh basil. Give everything a gentle mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Salad:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently stir everything together until the pasta and veggies are well-coated in the dressing. Be careful not to break any of the pasta or veggies!
5. Chill the Salad:
For the best flavor, cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to a sealable container, then place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour so all those delicious flavors can blend together.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir. You can garnish it with some additional chopped basil and freshly cracked black pepper for a lovely finish. Enjoy your colorful, flavorful creamy pasta salad!
This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a hassle-free side. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nice nutty flavor, and gluten-free pasta works just as well. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package as cooking times may vary.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of mayo or yogurt before serving again to refresh the creaminess.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in any veggies, cheeses, or proteins you like. Diced cucumbers, carrots, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just keep the overall ratios similar for the best flavor!
Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni or salami. You can replace them with extra veggies or some diced tofu for added protein!
