When the weather warms up or you're prepping for a party, there’s one dish that always brings smiles to the table — a classic Creamy Pasta Salad. It's cold, comforting, and incredibly versatile, filled with tender pasta, crunchy veggies, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together. Whether served as a side or a standalone meal, this pasta salad is always a hit.

This recipe is easily customizable — throw in what you have on hand, make it vegetarian or protein-packed, and you’ve got a no-fail dish that works for everything from summer BBQs to weekday lunch prep.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 8)

For the Salad:

• 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.

2. Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.

4. Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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🍽️ Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: ~400mg

Estimates vary depending on exact ingredients and serving size.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this into a full meal.
• Make ahead: Best when made a few hours ahead or the night before—just stir before serving.
• Brighten it up: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of pickle juice for extra tang.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt or omit the cheese.
• Extra veggies: Try adding peas, corn, broccoli, or olives to boost the flavor and nutrition.

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✨ My Personal Touch

This creamy pasta salad has become a go-to dish for every summer gathering in my home. It’s easy, delicious, and adaptable to everyone’s taste. I especially love using rotini because it holds the dressing so well, and I sometimes sneak in chopped pickles or jalapeños for a little zip. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!