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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with creamy charm yet refreshingly light, this Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe is here to steal your heart and your appetite. Imagine tender elbow macaroni mingling effortlessly with crisp celery, sweet bell peppers, shredded carrots, and a tangy, zesty mayo-Dijon dressing that brings every bite to life. It’s the perfect side dish to whip up ahead of time, impress your guests, or simply enjoy as a vibrant, satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe just right is all about the harmony of simple, vibrant ingredients. Each one plays its part to create the perfect balance of textures, colors, and flavors, giving you a salad that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic, tender pasta base that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture to the dressing for that luscious creaminess.
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang that brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Infuses a gentle kick and depth to the dressing you won’t forget.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar: Balances richness with a touch of sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of citrus that awakens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the tangy notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory backbone without overpowering the fresh veggies.
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor subtly but surely.
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for bringing all ingredients into harmony.
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste): Adds a gentle warmth and complexity.
- 1⁄2 cup diced celery: Crunchy and fresh, providing lovely contrast in texture.
- 1⁄2 cup diced red bell pepper: Sweet, colorful, and irresistibly crisp.
- 1⁄2 cup shredded carrots: Bright, naturally sweet, and packed with a little extra bite.
- 1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion: Offers a mild zing to balance sweetness and creaminess.
- 1⁄2 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional): A pop of color and a gentle sweetness that rounds out the salad.
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional): For added protein and a silkier texture.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill): A fragrant finishing touch that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Pasta
Start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to the package directions until perfectly tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down quickly—this step is crucial to stop the cooking process and ensure your salad doesn’t become soggy. Set it aside while you mix your dressing.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, velvety dressing that will coat your pasta with creamy perfection.
Step 3: Toss Pasta in the Dressing
Add the cooled pasta directly into your dressing and stir gently but thoroughly. You want every single pasta piece to be luxuriously wrapped in that zesty creamy goodness, setting the stage for all those fresh veggies to come.
Step 4: Mix in the Fresh Vegetables
Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion. These colorful veggies not only brighten the salad visually but add an exciting crunch and natural sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 5: Add Optional Extras
If you like, gently fold in thawed peas and chopped boiled eggs at this stage for extra layers of texture and flavor. These additions are simple but elevate the salad into something truly special and heartier if you’re serving a crowd.
Step 6: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover your pasta salad and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time is magic—it allows all the flavors to marry and intensify, making every bite taste even better than when you first mixed it.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, give your salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and veggies. Add a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill on top for a burst of freshness and a pop of vibrant green color that will draw everyone’s eyes to your bowl.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives not only provide a pretty contrast but also add a lovely aromatic touch that complements the dressing perfectly. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a few paprika flakes or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or seared tofu for vegetarians. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light green salad for a balanced meal that’s just right for both casual picnics and more formal gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in cute mason jars for a charming picnic vibe, or layer the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its bright colors. You can also turn it into stuffed bell peppers or scoop it atop crispy lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld option that will amaze your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Always give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavors.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy pasta salad isn’t recommended because the mayo and sour cream dressings can separate, making the texture less appealing once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or well-chilled in the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before serving if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package and cool it as usual.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
You can safely store this creamy pasta salad for up to three days in the fridge. Beyond that, the texture and freshness might start to decline.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version isn’t vegan because of the mayonnaise, sour cream, and optional eggs. However, you can easily swap in vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add different vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe by adding cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even corn. Just keep in mind the textures and flavors to maintain balance.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, a mild yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can substitute nicely, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting yet fresh about this Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it a lifelong favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will be in yours, too. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any occasion where you want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in a bowl. Go ahead, give it a try and watch how it becomes a star on your table!
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Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy creamy pasta salad is a perfect blend of tender elbow macaroni, crunchy celery, sweet carrots, and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing. Chilled before serving, this make-ahead side dish is refreshing, flavorful, and great for potlucks, picnics, or family meals.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Vegetables and Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or dill)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down completely, then set it aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Add the chilled pasta to the dressing bowl and stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion, mixing everything together gently to maintain the crunchy texture of the veggies.
- Optional Add-Ins: If desired, fold in the thawed peas and chopped boiled eggs for extra texture and flavor balance.
- Chill for Flavors to Meld: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh parsley or dill to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- This pasta salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Feel free to swap elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like rotini or bow-tie for variety.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Adding peas and boiled eggs is optional; omit them to keep the salad vegetarian.
- Keep the salad well covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
