This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of noodles, fresh veggies, and a yummy creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or a quick lunch!
You can customize it with your favorite ingredients. I love adding crunchy peppers and sweet peas! It’s a colorful dish that just makes me smile. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This pasta adds a fun twist to the salad with its bright colors. If you don’t have it, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work well too.
Mini mozzarella balls: These are great for texture, but if you can’t find them, you can chop regular mozzarella or even use feta for a different flavor.
Sliced black olives: These add a salty kick! If you’re not an olive fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with sliced cherry tomatoes for freshness.
Diced red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, but any color of bell pepper will work. You can also use chopped cucumbers for a lighter crunch.
Sliced salami: If you want a vegetarian option, skip the salami or use marinated artichokes for added flavor.
Fresh basil and parsley: These herbs brighten up the salad. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried but go easy on it as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing?
The dressing is key for this pasta salad, and it’s super easy to make! Here’s how to whip it up:
- In a small bowl, mix mayo and sour cream for richness.
- Add red wine vinegar for tang. If you have lemon juice, that would work too!
- Stir in Dijon mustard for a little kick—don’t skip this part!
- Finally, sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra pepper can add nice flavor! This dressing creates a perfect creamy base for all the ingredients.
How to Make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced salami
Fresh Herbs:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For The Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, you can whip it up quickly and then let it chill while you get ready for your meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (still a little firm). After that, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain it well to remove excess water.
2. Mix the Vegetables and Salami:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, mini mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella), sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced salami. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, pour that creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and veggies are coated well with the dressing.
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, stir in the chopped basil and parsley. These fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor and make your salad vibrant!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this delicious and easy creamy pasta salad at your next gathering or as a light meal anytime!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with any gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions and rinse it in cold water to cool before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How Do I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the salami or replace it with some diced tofu, chickpeas, or a variety of your favorite vegetables like artichokes or grilled zucchini for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta salad the night before. It’s actually better after sitting in the fridge for a while, as it allows all the flavors to meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you might need to add a little extra seasoning to taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up some of the dressing, so you might need to add a splash of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the texture before enjoying it again!
