Creamy Pasta Salad
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.
- 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
- 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