Description
Packed with creamy, tangy, and herby goodness, this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a must-have recipe for any occasion. With tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow pasta (or rotini, bowtie)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. - Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Prep the Vegetables
Chop cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Set aside. - Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and dressing. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. - Chill
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. - Serve
Toss the salad one more time before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the salad seems dry after storage, stir in a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh the texture.
- This recipe is highly customizable—add proteins, extra veggies, or your favorite cheeses to make it your own!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes