This Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, parties, or a quick meal at home!
Who doesn’t love a dish that looks as good as it tastes? I always sneak some extras for lunch the next day. It’s super simple to make—just mix and chill—great for a fuss-free dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color rotini pasta: This adds a fun look and texture! If you don’t have it, any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or farfalle, will work just as well.
Ham or pepperoni: I love using diced ham for a mild flavor, but pepperoni will add a nice kick. You can also use turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute like chickpeas to fit your diet.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls are delightful, but cubed mozzarella is just as good. If you need a lactose-free option, try using a lactose-free cheese alternative.
Mayonnaise and sour cream: This combo makes the salad creamy. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option. If you dislike mayo, use a creamy dressing of your choice.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has the Right Texture?
Cooking the pasta to the perfect texture is key. **Al dente** means it should be firm to the bite, which is best for salads. Rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process, preventing mushy pasta.
- Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions.
- After draining, run cold water over it to cool down and stop the cooking.
When mixing, toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta or over-mixing, which can make it mushy. This keeps your salad looking great and tasty!
Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked and diced ham or pepperoni slices, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or small mozzarella balls
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional hour to chill. This allows all the delightful flavors to mix perfectly, making it a great option for lunches, dinners, or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 7-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking any further. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Veggies and Proteins:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with your choice of cooked and diced ham or chopped pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, sliced black olives, diced red bell pepper, and the freshly chopped basil. Give it a good toss to mix everything well!
3. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Italian dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing. This is where all the flavors come together!
5. Season to Taste:
Add in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add more Italian dressing if you like it a little tangier. Yum!
6. Chill:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate your pasta salad for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Serve:
Right before serving, give the salad a good stir. You can garnish it with additional freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of black pepper for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this creamy, vibrant pasta salad chilled either as a delightful side dish or a light meal!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tri-color rotini adds a nice visual appeal, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the dressing may soften the pasta over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If it thickens, simply add a splash more Italian dressing or a bit of water to loosen it up before serving.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making in advance! You can prepare it up to a day ahead of time. Just mix the dressing and pasta with veggies and refrigerate it. It gives the flavors time to meld together for a tastier dish!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with a creamy dressing of your choice, such as ranch or Caesar. Greek yogurt can also be a great alternative for a healthier, tangy flavor! Just remember, any substitution may slightly change the taste and texture.
