Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe You'll Love to Customize

Discover a delightful and customizable Creamy Summer Pasta Salad recipe perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup fresh vegetables (bell pepper, cucumber) chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch, use low-fat yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard adjust according to taste
  • 2 tbsp vinegar mild variety recommended
Optional Add-ins
  • 4 slices bacon crisped
  • 1 cup grilled chicken optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley) chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Chop fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces while the pasta cools.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix together.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until well mixed.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for best flavor. Use seasonal vegetables for freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!