Go Back
Pasta salads have carved a special place in the culinary world, captivating food enthusiasts with their delightful combination of flavors, colors, and textures. These dishes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile, making them a staple for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and casual family dinners. Among the myriad of pasta salad options available, the "Creamy Dreamy Pasta Salad" stands out as a fan favorite. This recipe offers a luxurious creamy texture, vibrant colors from fresh vegetables, and a harmonious balance of flavors that are sure to please any palate.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing dish that's perfect for picnics or potlucks? Try this Creamy Dreamy Pasta Salad! Made with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper, it's tossed with a delicious creamy dressing featuring mayo, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Add cubed cheddar cheese for extra richness. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Chill and serve for a delightful burst of flavor!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.

      Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine Pasta and Dressing: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Add Cheese: Fold in the cubed cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

            Chill: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6