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Creamy pasta salad in a serving bowl with homemade dressing, vegetables, and pasta twists

Creamy Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is made with a tangy homemade dressing that I turned creamy after making my regular version for years. It is simple, cold, flavorful, and perfect for spring and summer meals, cookouts, and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • 1 cup tomato chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion chopped (or green onion)
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncinis or pickled banana peppers chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or feta
  • pepperoni ham, or other add-ins if using
For the creamy dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mason jar or bowl, combine the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, sugar, water, white wine vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Shake or whisk until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cheese, and pepperoni or ham.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  6. Stir before serving and add a little extra mayo if needed.

Notes

  • Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, but other short pasta shapes work too.
  • This pasta salad can dry out a bit after chilling because the pasta absorbs dressing. Stir in a spoonful of mayo before serving if needed.
  • You can change up the vegetables and add-ins based on what your family likes.
  • This is a great make-ahead side dish for cookouts and potlucks.