Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Tri-color rotini pasta: This fun pasta shape adds great color and texture. You can use any pasta shape you like, such as bowtie or penne. Whole wheat pasta is a healthy alternative too, giving you more fiber.

Salami or pepperoni: Both add a nice savory touch to the salad. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage instead. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or use chopped veggies like artichokes for extra flavor.

Cheese: Diced mozzarella is mild and creamy, but you could also use provolone or an Italian blend for more flavor. If dairy is a concern, vegan cheese is a good substitute.

Red bell pepper: This adds sweetness and crunch. Feel free to swap it for other colorful peppers, like yellow or orange, or even chopped cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.

Basil and parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work, but use less since dried herbs are stronger. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning is great too!

How Do You Get That Perfect Creamy Texture?

The creamy dressing is key to this pasta salad’s indulgent texture. Here’s how to make it right:

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for richness while sour cream adds a nice tang. For a lighter sauce, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Whisking the dressing together in a separate bowl first helps to combine all the ingredients smoothly. Make sure to taste it; you may want more salt or pepper!
• After tossing the pasta with the dressing, letting it chill for at least an hour helps the flavors blend and the pasta absorbs the creaminess.

Just remember to stir the salad well before serving; this helps any dressing that may have settled to mix in again. Enjoy your pasta salad, it’s all about those delicious flavors coming together!

Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta and Fillings:

• 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 cup diced salami or pepperoni slices
• 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp Italian dressing seasoning or Italian salad dressing
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This pasta salad is super quick to prepare! Plan for about 15 minutes to cook the pasta and mix everything, plus at least 1 hour in the fridge for chilling. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just right—al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. When it’s done, drain the pasta and take it to the sink to rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly.

2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced salami or pepperoni, diced mozzarella cheese, red bell pepper, and sliced black olives. Make it colorful and tasty!

3. Make the Creamy Dressing:

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing seasoning, vinegar, and garlic powder until everything is nice and smooth. Taste it and add salt and black pepper to your liking.

4. Combine Everything:

Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Give it a gentle toss to ensure everything is coated evenly with that delicious dressing.

5. Add Fresh Herbs:

Now, stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley, but save a little bit for garnishing later. It adds a lovely touch!

6. Chill the Salad:

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let the salad chill for at least 1 hour. This step is key for the flavors to come together and make your pasta salad taste amazing.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once it’s chilling time is up, give the salad a good stir, check the seasoning, and garnish with any reserved fresh basil and a sprinkle of black pepper. Now, you’re all set! Serve this bright and creamy Italian pasta salad as a delightful addition to your meals!

Enjoy this creamy Italian pasta salad as a delicious, colorful side dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the tri-color rotini with gluten-free pasta. There are great options available that taste just as good and maintain the same texture. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times!

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!

Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?

Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether. You can also use chickpeas or more veggies for added protein and texture.

What Can I Add for Extra Crunch?

If you want to incorporate more crunch, try adding diced cucumbers, celery, or even sunflower seeds. These additions will enhance both the texture and flavor of your pasta salad!