Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is a classic American side dish featuring tender rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, tangy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream. This chilled salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and summer gatherings, offering a refreshing and flavorful complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the diced cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, celery, red onion, and thawed peas.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh garnish.
Notes
- Add diced ham or grilled chicken to increase protein content and make the salad heartier.
- Using fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives will brighten and enhance the flavor of the salad.
- This pasta salad is best served chilled to maintain its creamy texture and refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
