Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: Creamy Pasta Salad! It’s the kind of dish that just screams “party” or “picnic” with its vibrant colors and creamy goodness. I whip this up for every gathering, and trust me, it never fails to impress! One of my fondest memories is making this salad for a family reunion. As I tossed in the colorful cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, the whole kitchen filled with laughter and excitement. It’s so versatile—you can serve it as a side or a main, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats or just on its own. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for those hot summer days! So, let’s dive into this deliciousness and get cooking!

Ingredients List

8 oz elbow pasta: This is the star of the show! I love using elbow pasta for that perfect bite-sized shape that holds onto the creamy dressing.
1 cup mayonnaise: This adds that luscious creaminess that makes every bite feel indulgent. Feel free to use your favorite brand!
1/2 cup sour cream: It gives a tangy kick to balance out the richness of the mayo. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add color and freshness. I always use the ripest ones I can find!
1/2 cup cucumber, diced: For that satisfying crunch, cucumbers are a must. They also bring a refreshing element to the dish.
1/4 cup red onion, diced: A bit of sharpness from the red onion rounds out the flavors beautifully. Just don’t overdo it if you’re not a fan of raw onion!
1 cup frozen peas: They add a lovely pop of color and sweetness. Plus, no need to thaw! Just toss them in frozen.
Salt and pepper to taste: These little guys are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Don’t skimp on seasoning!

How to Prepare Creamy Pasta Salad

Making this Creamy Pasta Salad is as easy as pie! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the 8 oz elbow pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold up in the salad!
While the pasta cooks, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir them together until they’re smooth and creamy. This will be your dressing!
Next, chop up your veggies! Add in 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup cucumber, diced, 1/4 cup red onion, diced, and 1 cup frozen peas into the bowl with the dressing. It’s all about those colors and flavors!
Once the pasta is done, drain it and let it cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to add hot pasta to your creamy mixture—nobody likes a soupy salad!
Now, gently fold the cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing and veggies. Mix until everything is well-coated and combined. This is the moment you get to see that beautiful creamy texture!
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to give it a taste test! Then, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
Rich and creamy flavor that everyone loves.
Versatile enough for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Tips for Success

If you want to take your Creamy Pasta Salad to the next level, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, consider using whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist—it’s just as delicious! You can also swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit. When it comes to veggies, don’t hesitate to get creative; bell peppers, corn, or even avocado can make fantastic additions! And remember, letting the salad chill for that full 30 minutes is key—it really allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Variations of Creamy Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this Creamy Pasta Salad is how easily you can mix it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers or adding in some chopped bell peppers for a sweet crunch. You could also toss in some black olives for a briny touch. Want to add protein? Shredded chicken or canned tuna work beautifully and make it a heartier meal. And for a zesty twist, sprinkle some fresh herbs like dill or parsley right before serving. The possibilities are endless!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Creamy Pasta Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option! When you’re ready to dig in, you don’t really need to reheat it; it’s best served cold. But if you prefer it warm, you can give it a quick toss in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. Just be careful not to overheat it—nobody wants a mushy salad!

Nutritional Information Section

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just estimates. Typically, one serving of this Creamy Pasta Salad contains around 300 calories, 20g of fat, 5g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to check your labels for more precise information. Enjoy this delicious dish while being mindful of your nutritional goals!

FAQ Section

Can I make Creamy Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while, letting all those flavors meld together. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 days.

What type of pasta works best?
I love using elbow pasta, but you can use any pasta shape you like! Penne, rotini, or even farfalle work wonderfully too. Just make sure to cook it al dente!

Can I add protein to my pasta salad?
For sure! Adding shredded chicken, diced ham, or even canned tuna can turn this into a heartier meal. Just mix it in with the veggies before chilling.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and rinse it under cold water after draining. This will stop the cooking process and keep it nice and firm!

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt or even a vinaigrette for a lighter option. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!

Creamy Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Delightful Dish

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy pasta salad perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 cup peas, frozen
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and peas to the bowl.
Stir in the cooled pasta.
Season with salt and pepper.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Add your choice of protein like chicken or tuna.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Creamy Pasta Salad

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