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Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Best Homemade Summer Side Dish

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad with a tangy, velvety dressing and fresh crunchy veggies, perfect as a refreshing summer side dish or crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, shredded cheddar, diced cucumber

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake gently to remove excess water.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Finely dice 2 celery stalks and 1 red bell pepper, thinly slice 3 green onions, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and dressing. Gently mix with a spatula or large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water immediately to prevent mushiness. Whisk dressing ingredients well to avoid clumps. Chill salad for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Optional add-ins and substitutions allow for customization.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, picnic recipe, potluck dish, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-best-homemade-summer-side-dish/