This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender pasta and cool veggies all wrapped up in a creamy dressing. It’s great as a side dish or a light meal!
I love how quick this salad comes together. Just boil the pasta, toss in some fresh ingredients, and stir in the dressing. Perfect for busy days or potlucks! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun shape that holds onto the dressing well. You could swap with any pasta type like bowtie or fusilli if you prefer.
Mayonnaise: Standard mayo is a must for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can work well too. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan sour cream alternative or simply add more mayo or yogurt.
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and celery are classics, but feel free to throw in bell peppers, cucumbers, or even cherry tomatoes for added color and crunch. I often use whatever veggies I have on hand!
Cheddar Cheese: I enjoy sharp cheddar for a flavor boost. In place of cheddar, try crumbled feta or diced mozzarella for something different.
How Can I Cool the Pasta Quickly?
Cooling the pasta quickly is essential for this salad! Here’s how I do it:
- Once you drain the cooked pasta, rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast.
- Toss the pasta gently while rinsing to make sure it’s evenly cooled.
Don’t skip this step! It helps keep the salad fresh and prevents the dressing from getting warm.
Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water until cool. This step helps prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the salad.
2. Making the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what makes the salad delicious!
3. Mixing in the Pasta:
Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently toss the pasta with the dressing until everything is nicely coated and combined.
4. Adding the Veggies and Cheese:
Next, fold in the shredded carrots, thawed peas, chopped celery, and cheddar cheese. Make sure to mix these ingredients gently to keep the cheese and veggies intact.
5. Chilling Time:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to blend and makes for a cooler, refreshing salad when served.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now you’re all set to serve a delightful creamy pasta salad!
Enjoy this creamy, tasty pasta salad chilled as a perfect side dish or a light meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Bowties, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni work well too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise or sour cream. You can also increase the veggie content by adding more chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach for extra nutrients!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken after chilling.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld even more. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving and check if it needs a bit of seasoning adjustment!
