A Tasty and Easy Dish for All

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish that is soft, rich, and full of flavors. This pasta salad is a good mix of cooked pasta, crunchy vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing. It is very simple to make and does not need much cooking. It is best for hot days or when you want to eat something light but filling. This salad is also great for lunch boxes, picnics, family dinners, or even small get-togethers. You can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just mix it once and enjoy. The creamy taste with Italian flavor makes it loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape like rotini, penne, or bow tie)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

• 1 cup cucumber (cut in small pieces)

• ½ cup red onion (cut very thin)

• ½ cup black olives (cut in circles)

• ½ cup bell peppers (red or yellow, cut small)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or small cheese cubes

For the creamy dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or plain thick curd

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon mustard sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt (or as per taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed herbs

• 1 garlic clove (grated or very finely chopped)

How to Make Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Let It Cool

First, boil the pasta in water with a little salt. Cook it until soft but not mushy. This usually takes 8–10 minutes. After that, remove the water and rinse the pasta with cold water. This stops the cooking and makes the pasta cool quickly. Keep the pasta aside to dry for a few minutes.

Step 2: Cut All the Vegetables

Now cut the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and onion. Try to cut them in similar small sizes so that they mix well. If you want, you can even add corn or carrots for extra crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dressing

Take a bowl and add mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard sauce (if using), sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, and garlic. Mix everything very well with a spoon or whisk. The dressing should look smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Mix Everything

Take a big mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta, cut vegetables, and cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over it. Mix everything very gently using a big spoon. Be careful not to break the pasta. Make sure the dressing covers all the ingredients nicely.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once everything is mixed, keep the pasta salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling it helps the flavor to settle. When ready, serve cold and enjoy!

Also Read: Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe: Easy, Tasty & Perfect for Any Day

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: Some Tips

If you want to make this salad more tasty or healthy, you can add more things. Boiled eggs, cooked chicken, or even cooked chickpeas work well. If you don’t like mayonnaise, you can use plain curd or yogurt instead. You can also use flavored yogurt to give the dressing a twist. If you don’t have Italian herbs, use oregano and chili flakes. This salad is very flexible, and you can change it the way you like.

Why This Pasta Salad Is So Good

This creamy Italian pasta salad is so good because it is full of fresh vegetables and cheese, and the dressing is soft and full of taste. It is easy to carry in a lunchbox. It does not become soggy because it is eaten cold. It is a smart way to eat both pasta and vegetables in one dish. Also, you don’t need a stove or oven for long hours. Most of the time is spent mixing things. Even if you don’t cook often, this dish is very easy to make. Kids love it because of the creamy and cheesy flavor. Adults like it because of the fresh taste and filling nature.

Can You Store It for Later?

Yes, you can keep the leftover salad in a box with a lid and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for 1 to 2 days. Before eating again, give it a light mix. If it feels dry, add 1 or 2 spoons of curd or mayonnaise and mix again.