This creamy pasta salad is a perfect mix of tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a delicious, smooth dressing. It’s like a party in your mouth!
It’s so easy to whip up! I love making it for picnics or barbecues—plus, it tastes even better the next day. Who can resist a bowl of this yummy dish? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using tri-color rotini for its fun appearance. You can substitute it with any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie. It’s all about the shape that grabs the dressing and veggies!
Cherry Tomatoes: These little ones add sweetness and color. If they’re not in season, you could switch to grape tomatoes or even diced regular ones. Just use what you can find!
Cucumber: Fresh and crisp cucumbers bring crunch. If you’re looking for a twist, try using zucchini or bell pepper instead. Both will keep that freshness in the salad.
Salami or Pepperoni: I usually go for salami for its flavor. You can use turkey pepperoni or even omit meat for a vegetarian option. Chickpeas or more veggies could work too!
Mozzarella Cheese: I like cubing fresh mozzarella for creaminess. You can use shredded mozzarella or any cheese you enjoy, like sharp cheddar or feta for a tangy kick.
Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess with less fat than mayo alone. If you prefer, swap it for sour cream or even a vegan yogurt if you want a dairy-free option. It’s quite flexible!
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the perfect creamy pasta salad is all about how you mix it. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Cook the rotini until al dente, so it holds up in the salad. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- When making the dressing, whisk until smooth. This ensures all ingredients blend well for maximum flavor.
- Combine the pasta with the veggies and dressing gently so everything is coated without breaking the pasta.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time is key for the flavors to mingle and develop.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning. A bit more salt or pepper can really elevate the taste!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (tri-color for visual appeal)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside to let it drain completely.
2. Chop the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooling, take a large mixing bowl and add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, sliced salami or pepperoni, cubed mozzarella cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing will add all the delicious flavor to your pasta salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and meat. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the pasta and ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a good toss to mix everything well again. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful creamy pasta salad!
Can I Substitute the Pasta with Another Type?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or even use a vinaigrette for a tangy flavor. Avocado-based dressings also work great for a creamy alternative!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! It’s even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors will have more time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the basil garnish right before serving for freshness.
