This creamy pasta salad is so yummy and easy to whip up! It’s packed with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a rich dressing that ties everything together perfectly.
I love making this salad for picnics and gatherings because it’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies—what more could you want? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fusilli Pasta: Fusilli is great for holding onto the dressing. If you don’t have it, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work well. Just cook it al dente for the best texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using fresh cherry tomatoes for their sweet flavor. You can swap them with diced regular tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a different twist.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add a nice pop of flavor. If you can’t find them, dried versions can work in a pinch, but use less since dried herbs are stronger.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds creaminess, but feel free to substitute with cubed cheddar or feta for a tangy kick. Just make sure it’s something that melts well if you want to add it warm.
Mayonnaise and Yogurt: This combo makes the dressing creamy. You can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter option or even vegan mayo if you’re looking for plant-based choices.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Well Mixed and Flavorful?
Mixing your pasta salad well is key for balanced flavors. After cooking your pasta, make sure to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it stay firm. This prevents mushiness.
- In your mixing bowl, combine all your chopped veggies and cheese with the cooled pasta.
- Make the dressing separately — this allows all ingredients to develop their flavor before combining.
- When tossing, use a gentle hand to ensure everything is coated without breaking the pasta or veggies.
- If it seems dry, feel free to add a little extra yogurt or mayo for moisture.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz fusilli pasta (tri-colored if available)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. After mixing, you should let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes to have a delightful dish 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. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, cubed mozzarella cheese, and your choice of salami or pepperoni if you’re using it. Add in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for that refreshing touch!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the pasta or veggies!
5. Chill and Serve:
Once it’s all mixed, cover the salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, take it out, give it a little stir, and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Enjoy your creamy pasta salad chilled!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli is great for holding onto the creamy dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just ensure to cook it until al dente, and feel free to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a similar flavor and texture. If you want a lighter option, try using plain yogurt. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the tanginess of the salad!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may thicken a bit as it sits, so stir in a splash of milk or additional dressing to loosen it up before serving again.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Peas, corn, or even roasted red peppers can work beautifully in this salad. Just chop them up into bite-sized pieces, and mix them in with the other ingredients for extra flavor and nutrition!
