Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Side Dish

Creamy Pasta Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make side, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Garden Rotini Pasta or substitute with penne or fusilli
  • 1 medium Red Onion or use green onions or shallots
  • 1 medium Cucumber or substitute with zucchini
  • 1 pint Grape Tomatoes or substitute with cherry tomatoes or bell pepper
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper or substitute with red or orange bell pepper
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Vinaigrette Dressing or consider a homemade vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning or adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper use freshly ground for best results
  • 1 tbsp White Sugar or substitute with honey

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the garden rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Rinse the cooked rotini under cold running water for 1-2 minutes, then let it drain completely.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian vinaigrette, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and white sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled rotini and chopped vegetables to the bowl and fold together gently.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
  6. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for 1-3 hours. Customize by adding other vegetables as preferred. Avoid leaving out at room temperature for over 2 hours.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!