This Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is perfect for a sunny day! With colorful veggies, creamy dressing, and tasty herbs, it brings a smile to every gathering.
You can whip this up in no time, making it a go-to for picnics. I love adding extra olives—because why not? The more, the merrier! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This adds a fun texture and color to the dish. If you don’t have rotini, any pasta, such as penne or fusilli, will work fine. Just choose something that holds the dressing well!
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, it brings freshness. You could swap it for cucumbers or cherry tomatoes if you prefer. They’ll add a nice crunch, too!
Black olives: These add saltiness and depth. Green olives or even capers are great substitutes if you’re not an olive fan.
Cheese: Mozzarella is mild and creamy. If you’re looking to switch it up, try feta for a stronger flavor or cheddar for a different twist.
Mayonnaise: It creates the creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is excellent! It’s tangy and adds protein, too.
Sour cream: For a creamy finish, you can use plain yogurt instead. It gives a similar consistency and taste while being a bit healthier.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Flavorful?
Getting the dressing just right is key for this pasta salad! Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), and red wine vinegar in a bowl. This creates a rich base.
- Add Italian seasoning and garlic powder for depth of flavor. Adjust these to your taste; more garlic means more flavor!
- Don’t forget the salt and pepper! Taste your dressing before mixing it in so you can tweak it.
- Once it’s smooth, pour it over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss to coat everything. This ensures every bite is delicious!
Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour really helps the flavors to mingle, making it even tastier when you serve it!
Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella pearls)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to let all the flavors blend beautifully. So, set aside a bit of time and get ready to enjoy a refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still have a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking. Let it sit aside to ensure it’s cool before mixing it with other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Blend it until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious dressing that brings everything together!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta. Toss in the diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni or salami, and chopped fresh basil. This colorful mix will make your salad look as good as it tastes!
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the pasta; we want to keep those lovely shapes intact!
5. Season & Refrigerate:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You might want to add a touch more salt or freshly ground black pepper, depending on your preference. Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows all the yummy flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve your salad, give it a quick stir and taste once more. Garnish with extra chopped fresh basil for a final fresh touch. Now, it’s ready to impress your friends and family at potlucks, picnics, or simply for a light lunch at home!
Enjoy your creamy, colorful, and utterly delicious Italian pasta salad! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular rotini with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta may cook differently.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but you may want to add a dash of extra dressing before serving to refresh it!
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this pasta salad vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the cheese and meats. You can replace these with chickpeas or additional veggies for added protein and texture.
