What makes this creamy pasta salad so good?

This creamy pasta salad is delicious because it uses a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing coats every piece of pasta and vegetable, creating a symphony of tastes in every bite.

Can I customize my creamy pasta salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or different types of cheese to make it your own.

How long does creamy pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

Creamy pasta salad typically lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the dressing may thicken over time, so you may need to add a little milk or mayonnaise to refresh it before serving.

What kind of pasta is best for creamy pasta salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best for creamy pasta salad. These shapes hold the dressing well and add visual appeal to the dish. Avoid using long, thin pastas like spaghetti.

7 Best Creamy Pasta Salad Secrets | Guaranteed Delicious

Name: Creamy Pasta Salad: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape); 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup diced cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced cooked ham or chicken; 1 cup chopped celery; ½ cup chopped red onion; ½ cup chopped green bell pepper; ½ cup chopped red bell pepper; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Description

A classic Creamy Pasta Salad recipe perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and easy weeknight meals. Loaded with pasta, cheese, ham, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1 cup diced cooked ham or chicken
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, ham or chicken, celery, red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently stir all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and add a little extra milk if it seems too thick. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg