Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad – The Potluck Hero Everyone Will Ask You About

Get ready to be the MVP of every gathering! This creamy, dreamy pasta salad is one of those magic dishes that’s ridiculously easy to throw together but tastes like something you picked up from a gourmet deli. Whether it’s a cookout, picnic, or family dinner, this crowd-pleaser disappears fast—so maybe make a double batch. 😉

This chilled pasta salad is tangy, crunchy, and totally addictive. One bite and you're hooked!

Equipment Needed:

•  Large pot (for boiling pasta)
•  Large mixing bowl
•  Whisk or spoon
•  Cutting board and knife

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni or other small pasta
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Pinch of paprika (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again thoroughly.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Mix-Ins: Add cooled pasta, celery, and red onion to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
4. Freshen It Up: Stir in parsley if using.
5. Chill Time: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer, so the flavors can really blend.
6. Finishing Touch: Just before serving, give it a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with a pinch of paprika if you like.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Serve chilled and watch it vanish in minutes!

Extra Tips & Variations:

• Add diced pickles or sweet relish for a tangy twist.
• Want protein? Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced ham.
• Use tri-color rotini for a fun, colorful version.

This pasta salad is a classic for a reason—cool, creamy, and full of crunch. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Give it a try and prepare for the compliments to roll in!

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Creamy Pasta Salad

The ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish! Tangy, creamy, and loaded with crunch—this pasta salad is summer in a bowl.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb elbow macaroni or small pasta
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ¼ cup parsley optional
• Pinch paprika optional

Equipment

• 🍳 Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• 🥣 Large mixing bowl
• 🥄 Whisk or spoon
• 🔪 Cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Cook pasta, rinse, and drain well.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients until creamy.
3. Add pasta, celery, and onion to dressing; mix.
4. Stir in parsley if using.
5. Chill 1 hour or more.
6. Stir before serving. Garnish with paprika.

Notes

Add pickles, eggs, or ham to customize.

Great make-ahead dish—flavors get better with time!