Easy Creamy Pasta Salad in 5 Quick Steps
Classic Creamy Pasta Salad
Need a refreshing side dish that’s creamy, crisp, and packed with flavor? This classic pasta salad combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a smooth, tangy dressing for a dish that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep. It’s easy to make and even better after chilling.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- ⏱️ Ready in about 20 minutes
- 🥗 Great for parties, picnics, and weekly meal prep
- 🥕 Filled with fresh, colorful vegetables
- 🥣 Creamy homemade dressing with a balanced, tangy flavor
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions in generously salted boiling water until just tender. Drain well, then rinse with cold water to cool it quickly and prevent overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the celery, bell peppers, carrots, and red onion into bite-sized pieces so they’re evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is creamy and well blended. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and thawed peas into a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Cover and chill the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and gives the flavors time to develop.
Helpful Tips
- Cool the pasta immediately after draining to keep it firm and separate.
- For the best taste, prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate before serving.
- Mix in extras such as chopped ham, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or hard-boiled eggs to make it more filling.
- For a lighter dressing, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt while maintaining the same creamy texture.
