This creamy pasta salad is a colorful and tasty dish that everyone loves! With fresh vegetables, rich dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a hit at any gathering.
It’s so easy to whip up that I often make it for lunch! Just mix everything together, chill, and it’s ready. Bonus: it’s great for summer picnics! ☀️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using multicolored rotini because it adds a fun touch. You can easily swap it for other pasta types like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they’re perfect here. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work too. Just try to use firm ones to avoid a mushy salad!
Cucumber: Adds crunch! If you prefer or have access, use bell peppers for a sweet alternative, or zucchini if you’re looking for something softer.
Meat (Salami or Ham): I enjoy salami for its flavor, but turkey or even grilled chicken would make a great substitute if you’re looking for something lighter. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat entirely!
Cheese: Mozzarella is mild and creamy, but feel free to use cheddar or even feta for a tangy essence. Just remember that feta will change the overall flavor profile.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: This combination gives the salad creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist. Light mayo works great if you’re cutting calories!
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad Creamy Without Being Gummy?
Creating that perfect creamy texture requires a few key steps! First, make sure to cook your pasta until al dente to prevent it from getting mushy. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Once the pasta is cooled, mix it gently with the dressing and other ingredients. Toss it carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta. Cover and chill before serving; this helps the flavors mingle and keeps the salad fresh!
By following these steps, your pasta salad will be creamy and delicious, not gummy!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (multicolored or regular)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami or ham, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked to al dente, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, chopped salami or ham, cubed mozzarella cheese, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. This colorful mix will bring great flavor to your salad!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will add a nice rich flavor to your pasta salad.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with your colorful vegetable and meat mixture. Then, pour the dressing over the pasta. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the flavors come together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, take your creamy pasta salad out of the fridge. Serve it chilled, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the creamy dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture in the salad.
How Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or an avocado-based dressing as a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, so taste and adjust as needed!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for a plant-based alternative, and substitute the salami or ham with chickpeas or your favorite vegan protein. You can also use vegan cheese if desired!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad can be a bit saucier the next day as the pasta absorbs the dressing, so you may want to add a little more mayo or sour cream before serving again.
