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Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Perfect Summer BBQs

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad with tangy Italian dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This flavorful and colorful salad combines al dente pasta with fresh veggies and a luscious creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free options work great)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled. Shake off excess water well.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, shred carrots, slice black olives, finely chop red onion, and shred cheese if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, white vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar or honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and cheese. Pour the creamy Italian dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir gently before plating.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Whisk dressing ingredients well to avoid clumps. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and texture. Adjust seasoning before chilling if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Italian dressing, summer BBQ, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/easy-creamy-pasta-salad-recipe-with-italian-dressing-for-perfect-summer-bbqs/