Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

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When it comes to pasta salads, there’s something incredibly comforting and flavorful about a creamy Italian version. This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is not just a side dish—it’s a meal that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort.

With its tender pasta, creamy dressing, and vibrant vegetables, this pasta salad is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts, potlucks, or even a quick lunch during busy weekdays.

Irresistibly Creamy and Full of Flavor

Pasta salads can sometimes feel a bit bland, but not this one. The goal here is to pack each bite with creamy richness balanced by a hint of tanginess and freshness from the vegetables.

The creamy dressing, made with a mix of mayonnaise, Italian seasonings, and a splash of vinegar, wraps every piece of pasta and veggie in a flavorful hug. It’s the perfect sidekick for grilled meats, sandwiches, or just on its own for a light yet satisfying dish.

No need for a fancy dressing or special tools—this easy recipe comes together quickly, but the result tastes like it was made with tons of effort.

This is a versatile, customizable recipe where you can mix in your favorite veggies, proteins, or even cheeses. Plus, it’s just as good (if not better) the next day, so make it ahead for stress-free meals!

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Let’s break down the simple, yet flavorful ingredients that make this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad a winner:

• Elbow Pasta (or your favorite pasta shape) – Perfectly cooked pasta serves as the base for this salad. I love using elbow pasta, but rotini or bowtie work great too because they hold the creamy dressing so well.
• Mayonnaise – The star of the dressing, bringing richness and creaminess to every bite.
• Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang to balance out the mayonnaise and keeps the dressing light and luscious.
• Red Wine Vinegar – This splash of vinegar provides a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the Italian flavors in this salad.
• Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth to the dressing.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these add freshness and pops of color to the salad.
• Red Onion – For a sharp, zesty kick. Chop it finely to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Parsley – Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Optional Add-ins: You can customize this pasta salad with extras like chopped salami, diced mozzarella, olives, or even bell peppers to add variety and texture!

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How to Make Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

This dish is as simple as cooking the pasta and tossing it all together! Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Dice the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh parsley. Set them aside for assembly.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, the prepared dressing, and the chopped veggies. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

This easy process results in a creamy, flavorful pasta salad that’s ready to shine at any meal or event!

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Getting the perfect Creamy Italian Pasta Salad comes down to a few simple tricks. Here’s how to make yours absolutely irresistible:

How Long to Chill Pasta Salad

Letting your pasta salad chill is crucial for the flavors to blend. Ideally, refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, but if you can, make it the night before for the best taste. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together!

Perfect Pasta Texture

• Cook your pasta al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta can turn mushy once it absorbs the dressing.
• After cooking, rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch.

How to Balance Flavors

• Taste and adjust the seasoning! Depending on your preferences, you might want to add a pinch more salt, a splash of vinegar, or a dash of black pepper.
• If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon or two of cold water or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Store Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers later in the week!

• If the pasta absorbs too much dressing while stored, simply stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream before serving to freshen it up.

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Serving Ideas

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with so many dishes. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• As a side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers.
• With a light green salad for a complete, veggie-filled meal.
• At potlucks or picnics—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

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Variations and Additions

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a heartier salad.
• Cheese Lovers: Add cubes of mozzarella, crumbled feta, or extra Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives for added crunch and flavor.

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Pro Tip: Let It Rest!

After assembling your pasta salad, let it rest. This step is key for allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies, making every bite flavorful. Remember to toss it once more before serving for even coating.

This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad isn’t just a dish—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll make again and again!

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