Description
A quick, creamy pasta salad combining tender rotini or bow-tie pasta with a rich, tangy dressing. Enhanced by crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs, this flavorful salad is ideal for lunches, dinners, picnics, or gatherings. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for beginners and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
Dressing
- Mayonnaise (about 1/2 cup)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (about 1/4 cup)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (1-2 tablespoons)
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 3–4 green onions, finely sliced
Optional Additions
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste, blending until creamy and tangy.
- Chop vegetables: While the pasta cooks, finely chop celery, red bell pepper, and green onions to add crunch and color.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Add the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly in the creamy dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and enhance texture. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use rotini or bow-tie pasta for better dressing adherence.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness.
- Chill the salad before serving to improve flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust vinegar or lemon juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering.
- Include fresh, crisp vegetables for a satisfying crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.
- Optional: Add protein like diced cooked chicken, ham, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan mayonnaise and coconut cream.
- Spice it up by adding hot sauce or chopped jalapeños if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg