Creamy Pasta Salad in 5 Simple Steps
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Looking for a side dish that’s cool, creamy, and full of flavor? This pasta salad delivers every time. Tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing come together in a dish that’s refreshing yet satisfying. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, picnic basket, or make-ahead lunch, this classic salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love It
- 🕒 Ready in just 20 minutes
- 🥡 Perfect for gatherings or meal prep
- 🌈 Packed with colorful, crunchy vegetables
- 🥛 Creamy dressing that’s tangy, savory, and balanced
Ingredients
| For the Salad | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni (or rotini) | 2 cups |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup |
| Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), chopped | 1 cup |
| Carrots, shredded | ½ cup |
| Red onion, diced | ½ cup |
| Frozen peas, thawed | 1 cup |
| For the Dressing | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prep the Veggies
- Dice celery, peppers, carrots, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Combine
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, vegetables, and peas.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently until coated.
5. Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
- The flavors meld beautifully as it chills.
Pro Tips
- Rinse pasta immediately after boiling to prevent clumping.
- Don’t skip chilling—it’s key for flavor and texture.
- Customize with add-ins: diced ham, shredded cheese, boiled eggs, or bacon bits.
- Lighten it up: swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
