Description
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for warm weather meals, combining al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This refreshing salad is easy to make and great for BBQs, picnics, or as a quick lunch. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a versatile dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool completely.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. Thaw peas by running under cold water if frozen. If adding bacon, cook until crispy, then chop.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add cooled pasta to a large bowl, then add vegetables and cheese (if using). Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Add Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits if using and give it one final toss to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled.
Notes
- Cool the Pasta: Allow pasta to cool completely before mixing with the dressing to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the Dressing: For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. You can also add more vinegar or mustard for extra tang.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Make it a Main Dish: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Creamy Summer Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, BBQ Side Dish, Picnic Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Fresh Salad