Pasta Salad Recipe

Create the best creamy pasta salad from scratch with just a few ingredients and simple steps using this simple pasta salad recipe. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, this vibrant dish combines fresh vegetables and creamy dressing for a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy its versatility, as it can be served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ditalini pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, this creamy pasta salad can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your creamy pasta salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps blend the dressing smoothly for even distribution over the pasta salad.

Ingredients

Create the best creamy pasta salad from scratch with just a few ingredients and simple steps using this simple pasta salad recipe.

For the Pasta Salad

• 16 ounces ditalini pasta (or whatever pasta you have on hand)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (chopped)
• ½ red onion (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (minced)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 3.8 ounces sliced olives (1 can, drained)
• 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese (cubed)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons white apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse well with cold water until it cools down completely. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled ditalini pasta. Then mix in the broccoli florets, minced red onion, minced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, sliced olives, and cubed Colby Jack cheese.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white apple vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious creamy pasta salad!

How to Serve Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a barbecue, or as a light lunch, here are some great serving suggestions.

As a Standalone Dish

• This creamy pasta salad can be served as a refreshing standalone meal. It’s filling and packed with vegetables.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair your pasta salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. The flavors complement each other well and create a balanced plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, serve the pasta salad in large lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and freshness while keeping it light.

As an Appetizer

• Use small cups or bowls to serve individual portions of pasta salad as an appetizer. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings.

Mixed with Greens

• Toss the pasta salad with mixed greens for added texture and nutrition. This makes the dish even more colorful and appealing.

How to Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe

To make your creamy pasta salad recipe truly stand out, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Pasta: Use ditalini or any short pasta that holds dressing well. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when cooking your pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow your salad to chill for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables for crunch and vibrant color. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences. Adding herbs or spices can enhance flavor.
• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, ham, or chickpeas for added protein, making it more satisfying.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a smoky flavor when grilled.
2. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta salad.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the savory elements of the pasta dish with its sweetness.
4. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers another layer of texture and complements the flavors of your pasta salad nicely.
5. Caprese Skewers: Skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a fresh bite that pairs well with pasta.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa for a hearty side that works wonderfully alongside pasta salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a creamy pasta salad can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can ruin the dish. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to a mushy salad. Always follow package directions for al dente pasta, as it will hold up better in the salad.

• Skipping the rinse: Not rinsing the pasta after cooking can result in a sticky texture. Rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent clumping.

• Neglecting seasoning: A bland salad is unappealing. Don’t forget to season your dressing adequately with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and quality cheese to elevate your creamy pasta salad recipe.

• Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately can lead to a less flavorful dish. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator lets flavors meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover creamy pasta salad in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Pasta Salad Recipe

• Freezing is not recommended for this creamy pasta salad, as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.
• If you must freeze it, separate the dressing from the salad components before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers if you decide to freeze any portion.

Reheating Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each session.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water or dressing if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Pasta Salad Recipe creamy?

The creaminess comes from using mayonnaise as a base for the dressing. This gives it a rich texture that complements the other ingredients well.

Can I customize this Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add proteins like chicken or shrimp, swap out veggies based on what you have, or use different types of cheese for variety.

How long should I let my Pasta Salad chill?

For optimal flavor, chill your pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to combine nicely.

Is this Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This creamy pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This creamy pasta salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on seasonal veggies or personal preferences. Whether it’s for a summer picnic or a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Creamy Pasta Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Create a delightful creamy pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion with just a few simple ingredients and steps. This vibrant dish blends al dente ditalini pasta with fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and cheese for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, this versatile salad can be served cold or at room temperature. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 ounces ditalini pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ red onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 3.8 ounces sliced olives
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons white apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the ditalini pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with broccoli, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, olives, and cheese.
3. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold to combine.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg