This creamy pasta salad is a fun and colorful dish that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks! With tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a rich dressing, it’s both tasty and satisfying.
Whenever I make this salad, it disappears so fast I wonder if it has legs! I love adding extra toppings like cheese for a little twist. Enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fusilli Pasta: This fun-shaped pasta is great for catching the dressing and all the bits! If you’re in the mood for a different shape, consider rotini or penne. Gluten-free pasta also works well if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a burst of sweetness! If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes diced up would be fine. Freshness is key here!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red and yellow for color and sweetness. Green peppers can be used, but they have a sharper flavor; sweet mini peppers are also a good alternative.
Olives: Black olives add a nice salty punch! If you’re not an olive fan, you can simply leave them out or even try Kalamata olives for a different flavor.
Salami/Pepperoni: While I enjoy the bold flavor of salami, turkey, or chicken slices can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a leaner option or trying to cut back on red meat.
Cheese: Mozzarella is deliciously creamy! If you want a kick of flavor, try feta or a sharp cheddar cheese instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta Salad is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting a creamy pasta salad just right hinges on how you assemble your dressing. Make sure to whisk all your creamy ingredients together until smooth. This ensures the flavors blend nicely.
- Start with mayonnaise, then mix in sour cream and Dijon mustard.
- Add red wine vinegar for tanginess, and always taste before adding salt and pepper.
- Pour this dressing on the cooled pasta and toss gently! The pasta should be fully coated without clumping.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to mingle beautifully, making each bite more delicious. Enjoy your pasta salad at a gathering or as a simple meal!
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz (340g) fusilli pasta (tri-color if desired)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. All in all, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to have a delicious salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down quickly. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, salami or pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh basil. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar until the mixture is smooth. Taste the dressing and season it with salt and pepper according to your liking.
4. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the ingredients!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your creamy pasta salad is ready to be served! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, and if you’d like, garnish it with some extra fresh basil on top. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Of course! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may take a little longer to reach al dente. Follow the package instructions for best results.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. There are many plant-based mayo products available, and for sour cream, you can use coconut yogurt or other dairy-free options. Just make sure to choose one that fits your taste preferences!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend as it sits. If it gets a little dry, just add a splash of olive oil or a bit more mayo before serving to refresh it.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
You can customize your pasta salad with various veggies! Try adding cucumbers, zucchini, or even corn for a pop of sweetness. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Have fun experimenting with your favorites!
