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Creamy Pasta Salad

A delightful creamy pasta salad packed with vibrant vegetables and a rich dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 8 ounces pasta (your choice) Use any pasta shape you like.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup sour cream Can substitute with dairy-free yogurt.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) Optional, for garnish.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically boiling it in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.

Preparing the Dressing

  • In a large mixing bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combining Ingredients

  • Add the cooled pasta to the dressing along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Give it a gentle toss to ensure everything is well-coated in that luscious dressing.

Chilling

  • To let the flavors meld beautifully, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serving

  • When ready to serve, garnish with fresh herbs of your choice to add that pop of freshness and color.

Notes

Make this salad a day in advance for improved flavors. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keyword Creamy Pasta Salad, Easy Side Dish, Pasta Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, Vegetable Salad