Creamy Pasta Salad

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where picnic classics get rich, crowd-pleasing upgrades. If you’re tired of dry pasta salads or watery vinaigrettes, this Creamy Pasta Salad delivers al dente rotini tossed in tangy yogurt-mayo dressing with crisp celery, red onion, cheddar, and dill perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or summer lunches.

Ready in 20 minutes plus chilling, it’s make-ahead friendly with perfect creamy-crunchy balance. With years of pasta salad expertise, I’ve crafted this versatile recipe that feeds a crowd. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, easy steps, variations, and tips.

Why This Recipe Works

• Greek yogurt + mayo creates thick, tangy dressing that clings without sogginess
• Short pasta shapes hold dressing and add-ins perfectly
• Celery and onion provide essential crunch contrasting creamy base
• No-cook dressing, ready in 20 minutes active time
• Feeds 8-10 as side dish
• Improves with chilling perfect make-ahead

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 lb rotini, elbow macaroni, or cavatappi
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 celery stalks, finely diced
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped dill pickles
• ¼ cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
2. In large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add cold pasta, celery, red onion, cheddar, pickles, and fresh herbs to dressing.
4. Toss gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Cover and chill at least 1 hour (overnight best). Stir before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Bacon Ranch: Add crumbled bacon and ranch seasoning.
• Buffalo: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
• Mediterranean: Use feta, olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano.

Storage Tips

Store airtight in fridge up to 5 days. Dressing may thicken; stir in milk if needed.

FAQs

• Farfalle or penne? Yes, any short pasta works well.
• Lighten up? Use all Greek yogurt, light mayo.
• Add protein? Toss in ham, tuna, or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Classic Creamy Pasta Salad perfectly balanced crunchy-creamy potluck essential that everyone loves. Summer staple. For more crowd-pleasers, visit dishfoody.com and try our Creamy Feta and Cranberry Rigatoni Salad Tossed in Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Classic Creamy Pasta Salad with rotini, crisp vegetables, cheddar cheese cubes, and creamy homemade dressing. Perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, picnics, and summer barbecues.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins (+ chilling)
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Salad, Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb rotini or elbow pasta
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

Instructions

• 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
• 2. In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• 3. Add cooled pasta, celery, bell pepper, red onion, cheddar cheese, peas, and eggs (if using).
• 4. Toss gently until everything is well coated with dressing.
• 5. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (overnight best). Toss again before serving.

Notes

• Make 1-2 days ahead for best flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for lighter dressing.
• Add ham cubes or bacon for heartier salad.
• Perfect picnic, potluck, or BBQ side dish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, potluck pasta salad, picnic pasta salad, classic pasta salad