Go Back
For this creamy pasta salad, I often choose rotini pasta. It holds the dressing well. You can also use penne or farfalle if you like. These shapes add fun texture. Make sure to cook the pasta just right. Al dente is best, so it stays firm. Fresh veggies make this salad bright and tasty. I love using cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Diced cucumber adds crunch, while bell peppers bring color. You can pick any color bell pepper you like. Frozen peas are a great option, too. They add sweetness and vibrant green. Lastly, I always include red onion for a little zing. The dressing is the heart of this dish. I mix Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for creaminess. Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Dijon mustard gives depth. I also toss in fresh herbs like dill and parsley. They make the dressing fresh and fragrant. Salt and pepper tie all the flavors together. This creamy pasta salad is delightful and easy to make. Check the full recipe for all the details! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 4 quarts of water for 8 oz of rotini pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool completely. Next, grab a big mixing bowl. Here, you will add your veggies. Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. Make sure to use any color bell pepper you like. Add 1 cup of thawed frozen peas and ½ cup of finely chopped red onion to the bowl. Toss these ingredients gently. This mix will add great color and crunch to your salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of mayonnaise. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and creamy. Taste it, and sprinkle in salt and pepper as you like. This dressing is packed with flavor. When your pasta is cool, it's time to combine everything. Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently fold everything together. Make sure the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing. This step is key for a delicious salad. For the best flavor, cover your salad with plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a light stir. Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. For a fresh look, garnish with extra chopped herbs. Serve it in a big bowl or individual jars for a fun touch. Enjoy your creamy pasta salad! To make your creamy pasta salad burst with flavor, consider these tips: - Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate taste. Try basil, chives, or tarragon. - Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest for brightness. This adds a fresh zing. - Cheese: Feta or parmesan can deepen the flavor. Crumble or shave it over the salad. - Spices: A dash of paprika or garlic powder can add warmth. Experiment with your favorites. A pleasing texture makes every bite enjoyable. Here’s how to achieve that: - Cook Pasta Correctly: Ensure pasta is al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents mushiness. - Crunchy Veggies: Use crispy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers. They add a nice crunch. - Nutty Elements: Consider adding toasted nuts, like almonds or walnuts. This gives a delightful crunch. A beautiful salad is more appetizing. Here are some fun ways to present it: - Colorful Bowls: Use a bright serving bowl to make the colors pop. It draws the eye. - Layered Jars: Serve in glass jars for a trendy look. This makes it easy to grab and go. - Herb Garnish: Top with extra herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. This adds a finishing touch. For the full recipe, visit the section above. Enjoy creating your creamy pasta salad! {{image_4}} Adding protein to your creamy pasta salad makes it heartier. You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. - Cooked Chicken: Use grilled or rotisserie chicken. Dice it into bite-sized pieces. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic. Toss them in after they cool. - Chickpeas: Rinse and drain canned chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. If you want to switch up the flavors, try different dressings. Here are some tasty options: - Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocado with yogurt and lime juice. - Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto for a fresh twist. - Vinaigrette: Mix olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a lighter taste. Using seasonal vegetables can enhance your salad's taste. Here are some great picks: - Spring: Add asparagus or snap peas for a fresh crunch. - Summer: Toss in zucchini or corn for sweetness. - Fall: Use roasted butternut squash or diced apples for a warm touch. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Herb-Infused Pasta Salad. To keep your creamy pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure it is fully cooled before storing. This will prevent condensation from making the salad soggy. Creamy pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After this time, the taste and texture may change. Ensure you check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration. If you see any, it’s best to toss it out. Reheating creamy pasta salad is not always needed. If you prefer it warm, heat it gently in the microwave. Use a low power setting and stir it every 30 seconds. This will help heat it evenly. You may want to add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of extra yogurt to refresh the flavors. Enjoy this dish chilled for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. I recommend using rotini pasta. Its twisted shape holds the creamy dressing well. You can also use farfalle or penne. Each type adds a unique look and texture to your salad. Yes, you can! Making this salad a day ahead is a great idea. Chilling it lets the flavors blend. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. You can replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess while cutting fat. Another option is to use avocado. This adds healthy fats and a smooth texture. To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a zesty kick, try adding a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, skip the mayonnaise and use a vegan yogurt. Ensure your Dijon mustard is vegan too. Most of the veggies are already plant-based, making it easy. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Herb-Infused Pasta Salad 🥗. This blog post covered how to create a creamy pasta salad that tastes great. You learned about pasta choices, fresh veggies, and creamy dressings. I shared easy steps for cooking, prepping, and combining these ingredients. Tips on flavor and presentation make your salad standout. Variations let you customize with proteins or seasonal veggies. Finally, I shared how to store it and answer common questions. With these tools, you can make a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect summer dish with this creamy herb-infused pasta salad! Packed with fresh veggies and a deliciously hearty dressing, this recipe is not only simple but also bursting with vibrant flavors. Ideal for picnics or potlucks, it can be made in just 50 minutes. Elevate your meal with this easy-to-follow guide that is sure to impress family and friends. Click through to explore the delightful recipe and make your summer gatherings unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

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 freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

    Prepare Vegetables: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thawed peas, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure a delightful mix of colors and flavors.

      Make Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, and parsley until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing, and add salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavor.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Pour the herb-infused dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently fold the mixture together until everything is well coated with the dressing.

          Chill: To enhance the flavors, cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully.

            Serve: When ready to serve, give the pasta salad a light stir to redistribute the dressing. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Garnish with additional chopped herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the pasta salad in a large serving bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few extra cherry tomatoes on top for a burst of color. Alternatively, for a chic presentation, consider using individual glass jars to create a ready-to-go serving option that is both stylish and convenient.