why make this recipe
Creamy Pasta Salad is a popular dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, colorful, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, going to a picnic, or just want a tasty side dish for dinner, this pasta salad fits the bill. The creamy dressing combined with fresh vegetables makes every bite delightful. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies you have on hand!
how to make The Best Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups light mayo
- 1 1/2 tablespoons beef bouillon paste
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 4 cups halved cherry tomatoes
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season with salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the light mayo and beef bouillon until smooth. Add sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dressing and toss until coated. Adjust consistency with more buttermilk if needed.
- Fold in the diced peppers, chopped red onion, and cherry tomatoes, mixing well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve, stirring before serving and adjusting with more buttermilk if necessary.
how to serve The Best Creamy Pasta Salad
Serve the pasta salad cold as a side dish or as a light main course. It goes wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a larger potluck spread. For extra flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
how to store The Best Creamy Pasta Salad
To keep your pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad seems dry when you’re ready to eat it again, just add a splash more buttermilk to bring back the creaminess.
tips to make The Best Creamy Pasta Salad
- For the best texture, be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables you enjoy, like cucumbers or carrots.
- If you want a bit of crunch, add in some crushed crackers or nuts just before serving.
variation
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by simply omitting the beef bouillon paste or replacing it with a vegetable bouillon. You can also switch out the rotini pasta for a gluten-free pasta if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to store it in the fridge.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayo?
Yes, regular mayo will work fine if you prefer a richer taste.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked chicken, diced ham, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 1 lb rotini pasta Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for variations.
- 1 1/2 cups light mayo Regular mayo can be used for a richer taste.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons beef bouillon paste Can be omitted or replaced with vegetable bouillon for vegetarian option.
- 1/2 cup light sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk Adjust consistency as needed.
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
Vegetables
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 4 cups halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season with salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the light mayo and beef bouillon until smooth. Add sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dressing and toss until coated. Adjust consistency with more buttermilk if needed.
Mixing
- Fold in the diced peppers, chopped red onion, and cherry tomatoes, mixing well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve, stirring before serving and adjusting with more buttermilk if necessary.