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Dreamy Pasta Salad

Dreamy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Delight

This Dreamy Pasta Salad features tender rotini and fresh vegetables in a creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Rotini or Fusilli Pasta opt for gluten-free pasta for dietary variations
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes
  • 1 cup Cucumber or zucchini
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper mix in any color of bell peppers
  • 1 cup Black Olives or green olives
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion or green onions
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas or fresh peas in season
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Basil

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water and season generously with salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then add the pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and let cool.
  2. Rinse the pasta under cold running water, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes until completely cooled.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, chop bell pepper, slice olives and onion, and thaw peas if necessary.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Gently fold cooled pasta into the dressing, then add prepared vegetables and mix until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the salad a day ahead. Use fresh ingredients for the best quality salad.

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