This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of pasta, veggies, and a tasty dressing that brings it all together. It’s colorful and satisfying—ideal for any picnic or potluck!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This pasta adds flair with its colors and shape, but you can swap it with any pasta you have on hand like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is my favorite for its creamy texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, try cubed cheddar or even feta for a tangy twist!
Red bell pepper: This adds sweetness and crunch. Feel free to substitute with other veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or yellow bell peppers if preferred.
Sliced salami or pepperoni: I love the robust flavor of salami! If you’re vegetarian, skip the meat or use marinated artichokes or chickpeas for extra protein.
Mayonnaise: While mayo creates a rich dressing, Greek yogurt can be a lighter option. Want a zesty kick? Try mixing in some ranch dressing!
How Can I Make the Pasta Salad Even Creamier?
To achieve that extra creamy texture, the order of mixing matters. Combine the dressing first before adding the pasta. Whisk thoroughly, then gently fold in the pasta to prevent over-mixing.
- Use cooled pasta: Rinsing it under cold water helps to stop the cooking process, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
- Mix in additional ingredients slowly, coating every bit with the dressing.
- Don’t rush chilling: Letting it sit for an hour or more in the fridge lets the flavors meld and enhances creaminess.
Enjoy your Easy Creamy Pasta Salad with these tips!
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup sliced salami or pepperoni
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need at least 1 hour to chill it in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll be ready to serve it in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions, but aim for al dente texture, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a deliciously creamy dressing that will coat the pasta and veggies beautifully.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Then, toss in the cubed mozzarella cheese, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, chopped fresh basil, and the sliced salami or pepperoni. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or large spoon so that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give the pasta salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more salt, pepper, or even some extra Italian seasoning if you like. It’s all about making it just right for your palate!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together and makes the pasta salad even tastier.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pasta salad out of the fridge. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and more chopped basil for a lovely finish. Then, scoop it into serving bowls or a large dish and enjoy your colorful, creamy, and flavorful pasta salad!
Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Enjoy cooking! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular rotini with gluten-free pasta. Look for brands made from chickpeas, quinoa, or brown rice for a similar texture. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the freshness of the veggies may decline a bit over time, so enjoy it within a few days for the best flavor!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt. You can also use plant-based cheese alternatives instead of mozzarella, and skip the salami or pepperoni for a purely veggie mix!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
The beauty of pasta salad is its versatility! Feel free to add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or even roasted peppers for added flavor and texture. Just make sure they are chopped small enough for easy mixing!
