This creamy pasta salad is a fun mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s a perfect side for picnics or barbecues!
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of this colorful pasta goodness? I could happily munch on it all day—especially the little bites of crunchy veggies! 😄
What I love most is how quick and easy it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, toss in your favorite veggies, and stir in the creamy dressing. Ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using tricolor rotini for its color and fun twist shapes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter version.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add so much freshness! If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes are a great substitute. You can also use canned diced tomatoes, just drain them first.
Cucumber: The crunchiness of cucumber brightens up the salad. If you don’t have cucumbers, bell peppers or even zucchini can work. Pickle slices add a zing too!
Black Olives: I enjoy the rich flavor of black olives, but green olives or even capers can be nice options. Just remember, they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Salami: Salami adds protein and a bit of saltiness. You can replace it with turkey pepperoni or omit it for a vegetarian version — it’ll still be tasty!
Mozzarella Cheese: For a twist, use feta or cubed cheddar. You can even skip cheese altogether if you’re aiming for a lighter dish.
Fresh Basil: This brings so much aroma! If you don’t have fresh basil, try dried basil or parsley as a substitute. Just use less dried than fresh since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Cook Pasta to Perfection?
Cooking the pasta correctly is key to avoiding mushy results. Follow these simple steps to cook rotini perfectly:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the rotini and check the package for cooking time; usually, it’s around 8-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the pasta a minute before the end of the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.
Perfectly cooked pasta will hold its shape and texture, making your salad delightful!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (tricolor preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced and quartered
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by at least 30 minutes in the fridge for chilling. In total, you’ll be enjoying your pasta salad in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Aim for it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, salami, mozzarella cheese, red onion, and fresh basil. Mix these ingredients gently with a spoon to distribute them evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, along with salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what makes the salad so delicious!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour your creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta or veggies!
5. Season and Chill:
Take a moment to taste your salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even some Italian seasoning for added flavor if you like. Once satisfied, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those great flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your creamy pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For a pretty touch, garnish with some extra fresh herbs if you desire. Enjoy your refreshing and hearty dish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use whole wheat pasta! It adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may need a bit longer to reach the al dente stage compared to regular rotini.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the salami. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or artichokes, or toss in some chickpeas for added protein and texture!
Can I Prepare This Pasta Salad the Night Before?
Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to enjoy it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness, and give it a good stir before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry upon reheating, you can mix in a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh it!
