Best 2 The Best Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes

Creamy pasta salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a refreshing side dish at a summer gathering. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, there are endless possibilities to create the best creamy pasta salad that suits your taste buds. This article will guide you through the essential steps and provide a collection of flavorful recipes to help you craft the perfect creamy pasta salad that will surely impress your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST CREAMY PASTA SALAD

The Best Creamy Pasta Salad image

This is The BEST Creamy Pasta Salad you will ever make, promise. Thanks to one secret ingredient, this classic creamy pasta salad is infinitely more flavorful thank most recipes you'll find.

Provided by Nicole

Categories Side Dish

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups light mayo
1 1/2 tbsp beef bouillon paste
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk, possibly more for thinning out
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 large green pepper, diced
1/2 cup chopped red onion
4 cups halved cherry tomatoes

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season with salt. Add the pasta and give it a stir. Cook until aldente (it should have a slight bite to it). Drain and rinse under cold water until chilled.
Add mayo and beef bouillon to a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add the sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Add the pasta. Toss until completely coated. If needed, add a little bit of buttermilk to thin the dressing out. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add in peppers, red onion, and tomatoes. Toss. Again, season with salt and pepper. Serve right away or chill until read to serve. If you do chill it, before serving, give it a stir, if needed, add a little bit of buttermilk to thin out the dressing as needed.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 292 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 572 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g

CREAMY PASTA SALAD

Creamy Pasta Salad image

"I love creating new and tasty foods, including this popular side-dish salad," Lori Menard writes from Omaha, Nebraska. "I make it often for my husband and me, especially during the summer months. If you add some cooked chicken breast, you can make this a meal for two."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup cooked spiral pasta
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons chopped cucumber
3 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
2 radishes, sliced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 1021mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Salad:

Use high-quality ingredients: This means using fresh, flavorful pasta, vegetables, and cheese. Good quality ingredients will make a big difference in the overall taste of the salad.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant in a salad.
Cool the pasta before adding the dressing: This will help to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy.
Use a creamy dressing that is not too heavy: A good creamy dressing should be flavorful and creamy, but not so heavy that it weighs down the salad.
Add a variety of vegetables: This will add flavor, color, and texture to the salad. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing will make the salad soggy and unpleasant.
Serve the salad chilled: This will help to keep the salad refreshing and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Creamy pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. With a few simple tips, you can make a creamy pasta salad that is sure to impress your friends and family.