Easy Creamy Pasta Salad
A quick and versatile creamy pasta salad, perfect for gatherings and customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (your choice — rotini, penne, or shell pasta)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise For that rich creaminess; Greek yogurt can be swapped for a healthier option.
- ½ cup Sour Cream Adds tang and goes beautifully with the mayo.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved Providing a sweet burst.
- 1 Cucumber, diced (1) Adds crunch and freshness.
- ¼ cup Red Onion, diced For a hint of sharpness (soak in water to mellow the flavor if desired).
- ½ cup Bacon, cooked and crumbled Optional, but highly recommended for added flavor.
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste For brightness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for an invigorating twist.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bacon if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and mix gently until everything is well-coated.
Chilling and Serving
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent cucumbers from becoming soggy, add them just before serving.