Creamy Pasta Salad
A quick and easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy dressing with fresh veggies and pasta, perfect for any potluck or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 2 cups pasta (rotini or macaroni)
For the veggies
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl and add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and keep it from sticking. Taste the dressing and adjust vinegar or mustard for more tang. Make ahead: refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for best flavor. For a lighter twist, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. Keep extra dressing on the side if serving later to avoid overdressing.