There’s something so comforting about a delicious Creamy Pasta Salad. It’s colorful, vibrant, and brimming with fresh flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or just a quick and satisfying lunch, this pasta salad will be the highlight of the meal.

The Ultimate Creamy Pasta Salad

A creamy pasta salad isn’t just about mixing pasta and dressing; it’s about creating a perfect balance of textures, flavors, and freshness. The tender pasta swirls through a luscious, tangy dressing, while crunchy veggies add just the right amount of bite.

What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is—you can easily make it your own with different veggies or even a protein like chicken or shrimp. It’s the perfect way to turn simple pantry staples into a delightful dish that everyone will rave about.

If you’re tired of boring salads or looking for a new dish to elevate your potluck game, this creamy pasta salad is the answer. It’s fresh, flavorful, and, most importantly, incredibly easy to make! Let’s get started.

Ingredients for Creamy Pasta Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this vibrant and delicious pasta salad. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing flavor, texture, and creaminess to this dish:

Rotini Pasta – The perfect pasta shape for holding onto creamy dressing and veggies. You can also use penne, bowties, or elbow macaroni.
Mayonnaise – The base for the dressing, giving it that rich, creamy texture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and balances the mayo beautifully.
Dijon Mustard – For a touch of sharpness and depth of flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar – A splash of acidity to brighten the salad.
Honey – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the dressing.
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheese for creamy, cheesy goodness.
Cucumber – Crisp and refreshing, diced into bite-sized pieces.
Red Onion – Adds a little sharpness and color to the salad.
Carrots – Shredded for a pop of color and crunch.
Bell Peppers – Use a mix of colors for sweetness and a vibrant appearance.
Green Onions – Finely sliced, for a mild oniony flavor and garnish.
Salt and Pepper – To season and bring out the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a creamy pasta salad that will wow your guests:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to salt the water generously to flavor the pasta. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Chop the Veggies
While the pasta is cooling, dice the cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and shred the carrots. Slice the green onions for garnish.

Step 4: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped veggies, shredded cheddar cheese, and dressing. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with extra cheese or green onions if desired.

How Long to Chill Creamy Pasta Salad

For the best flavor, it’s important to let the pasta salad chill before serving. This gives the dressing time to meld with the pasta and veggies, making every bite flavorful and refreshing.

Minimum Chill Time: 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Ideal Chill Time: 1-2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

If you’re short on time, pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes for a quick chill. Just be careful not to let it freeze.

How to Store Creamy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is great for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir it before serving, as the dressing may settle or thicken over time.
Freezer: Cream-based salads don’t freeze well, as the dressing can separate and lose its creamy texture. For best results, make and enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Salad

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente to avoid mushy pasta. Rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the process.
Customize the Veggies: Swap or add in other favorites like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or corn.
Add Protein: Transform this side dish into a main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
Double the Dressing: If you like an extra creamy salad, make 1.5x the dressing recipe and save some to refresh leftovers.
Taste Test: Adjust seasonings to suit your preferences, especially salt, pepper, and honey.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Author: Ava McKenney
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh veggies, this pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prepping.

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Dice the cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and shred the carrots.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, shredded cheddar cheese, and dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra cheddar cheese or green onions if desired. Serve cold.

Notes

Pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving leftovers.
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes