![- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup frozen peas (thawed) - ½ cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup Greek yogurt - ¼ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Cheese (feta or mozzarella) - Cooked chicken or shrimp - Olives or artichokes To create a creamy pasta salad, start by gathering these fresh ingredients. The rotini pasta is perfect for holding the dressing. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add a bright crunch. Diced bell pepper brings sweetness, while peas add a pop of color. Red onion gives a sharp bite, balancing the creamy dressing. For the dressing, Greek yogurt and mayonnaise work together for a rich taste. Lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Dijon mustard brings depth, while dill and parsley add freshness. Salt and pepper round out the flavors nicely. Feel free to mix in extras like cheese or meat for added flavor and texture. These options make your salad even more exciting. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe] to guide you through each step. 1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step adds flavor to the pasta. 2. Add the rotini pasta and cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. 3. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. This helps keep it from becoming mushy. Set the pasta aside to cool. 1. In a large bowl, combine fresh vegetables. You will need cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, thawed peas, and red onion. 2. For cutting, use a sharp knife. Cut the cucumber and bell pepper into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dicing the onion finely makes it less sharp in flavor. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Add lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth. 2. You can adjust the flavors to your taste. If you want it tangier, add more lemon juice. For a creamier taste, add more yogurt. 1. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. 2. Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to mash the pasta. Folding helps keep the pasta intact. 1. Cover the salad with plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 2. This chilling time helps the flavors blend. You can store it for up to three days before serving. 1. For presentation, serve the pasta salad in a large bowl. Garnish it with fresh herbs and extra cherry tomatoes. This adds color and looks great. 2. You can also serve it in individual jars. This is a fun and modern way to present the dish. You can find the full recipe above to make this creamy pasta salad a hit at your next gathering! For creamy pasta salad, rotini is my top choice. Its twists hold the dressing well. Other good options include fusilli and farfalle. They add fun shapes and textures. To cook pasta perfectly, boil salted water first. Add the rotini and stir gently. Follow the package time for al dente. Drain it well, then rinse under cold water. This stops cooking and keeps it firm. The dressing is key to creaminess. You want it smooth but not too thick. Mix Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a balanced taste. I suggest using two parts yogurt to one part mayonnaise. This keeps it light and flavorful. If your dressing feels too thick, add a splash of lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and helps the dressing coat the pasta well. Herbs can really boost the taste of your salad. Fresh dill and parsley are my favorites. They add freshness and a nice aroma. You could also try basil for a twist. For more flavor, think about add-ins. Chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes work well. You can also mix in some crumbled feta or cooked chicken. These additions make the salad heartier and more satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Herb-Infused Pasta Salad. It’s a dish full of flavor! {{image_2}} You can make the creamy pasta salad even more colorful and tasty with different veggies. Try adding: - Broccoli florets - Carrots, shredded - Spinach or arugula - Zucchini, diced For a plant-based dressing, swap Greek yogurt with silken tofu or cashew cream. These options keep the salad creamy while adding nutrition. Adding protein makes this dish more filling. You can try: - Grilled chicken diced into bite-sized pieces - Shrimp that is cooked and chilled - Cooked bacon for a smoky flavor You can also mix in legumes or beans like chickpeas or black beans. They add fiber and protein, making your salad hearty. Take your pasta salad to new places with global flavors. For an Italian twist, mix in: - Pesto sauce instead of dressing - Fresh basil leaves for a burst of aroma For Mediterranean flair, add: - Kalamata olives - Sundried tomatoes for a tangy taste These variations keep your creamy pasta salad fresh and exciting! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your creamy pasta salad fresh, store it in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Be sure to seal them tightly. This prevents air from spoiling the salad. Refrigerate the pasta salad right after you serve it. It tastes best when cold. Aim to eat leftovers within three to four days for the best flavor. You can freeze creamy pasta salad, but note that some ingredients may change in texture. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. When you’re ready to eat it, move the salad to the fridge for a slow thaw. This takes several hours. Stir it well before serving to blend the flavors again. In the fridge, your creamy pasta salad can last up to four days. After that, it may start to spoil. Check for signs like a sour smell or changed color. If you see any, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your creamy pasta salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! Yes! You can use many pasta shapes. Some great alternatives for rotini are: - Fusilli - Penne - Farfalle If you prefer gluten-free options, try: - Brown rice pasta - Quinoa pasta - Chickpea pasta These options work well and make the salad tasty. To lighten the salad, you can substitute creamy ingredients. Instead of using a lot of mayonnaise, use more Greek yogurt. You can also add more vegetables to bulk it up. Some great choices include: - Spinach - Zucchini - Broccoli These will add flavor and nutrients while keeping the salad light. Absolutely! You can prepare this pasta salad in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook and cool the pasta a day before. - Chop vegetables and store them in the fridge. For the best taste, store prepped ingredients separately. Mix them before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. This creamy pasta salad combines fresh ingredients with a tasty dressing. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the veggies, and mix everything for the best flavor. I shared tips for variations, storage, and enhancements to fit your taste. Try this recipe at your next gathering. It's easy to make, fun to customize, and always a hit. With these steps, you'll impress everyone with your pasta salad skills and enjoy a dish that's both delicious and refreshing.](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b812bc9a-c025-4acc-8eac-5d71bd00e9d9-250x250.webp)
Creamy Pasta Salad
Discover the deliciousness of creamy herb-infused pasta salad! This refreshing dish combines rotini pasta with vibrant veggies and a rich yogurt-based dressing, making it a perfect side for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's sure to impress at your next gathering. Follow our simple recipe to create this delightful salad that everyone will love. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your dining experience!