Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Simple Delicious Recipe

introduction

This easy creamy pasta salad is a quick, cool dish. It uses simple ingredients and tastes great. You can make it ahead for work lunches or a picnic. For a sweet finish to your meal, try a related dessert like this easy biscoff cheesecake recipe.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe because it is fast, creamy and fills a crowd. It keeps well and you can change it with what you have. It is good for a hot day or a busy week.

how to make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Simple Delicious Recipe

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 340 g rotini or penne pasta. Cook until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water. Let it cool.
3. In a bowl mix 180 ml mayonnaise and 120 ml sour cream or yogurt. Add 6 g minced garlic, 30 ml olive oil, 3 g salt and 1 g black pepper. Stir well.
4. Prepare 150 g peas or mixed vegetables and slice 75 g chicken sausage if using. Grate 50 g cheese.
5. In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, sausage (optional) and grated cheese.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Stir once before serving and taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed.

Ingredients :

• 340 g rotini or penne pasta
• 180 ml mayonnaise (about 180 g)
• 120 ml sour cream or yogurt (about 120 g)
• 150 g peas or mixed vegetables
• 50 g grated cheese (parmesan or similar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6 g)
• 30 ml olive oil
• 3 g salt (1/2 tsp)
• 1 g black pepper (1/4 tsp)
• 75 g chicken sausage, sliced (optional)

Directions :

• Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
• Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside to cool.
• In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Prepare vegetables and optional ingredients.
• In a large bowl, combine pasta and ingredients.
• Pour dressing over and toss gently.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

how to serve Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Simple Delicious Recipe

Serve cold or slightly chilled. Use a big bowl for the table. Add a few extra grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil on top. This salad goes well with grilled meat or bread.

how to store Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Simple Delicious Recipe

Put the salad in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. If it gets thick, add a little yogurt or olive oil and mix.

tips to make Easy Creamy Pasta Salad Simple Delicious Recipe

• Cook pasta just until al dente so it does not go soft when cold.
• Cool pasta quickly under cold water to stop cooking.
• Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream to cut fat.
• Add bright veggies like bell pepper or red onion for color and crunch.
• For a simple dessert pairing try this easy butter cookie recipe after your meal.

variation (if any)

• Make it vegetarian: skip the sausage and add chickpeas.
• Add herbs: chopped parsley, dill or basil work well.
• Make spicy: add a little chili flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.
• Use tuna or cooked chicken instead of sausage for more protein.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Use penne, fusilli, shells or any pasta you like.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours ahead and chill. It tastes better after the flavors mix.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: No. Freezing changes the texture of the dressing and vegetables.

Q: Can I use low-fat mayo?
A: Yes. Use low-fat mayo or extra yogurt to lower calories.

Conclusion

This creamy pasta salad is simple, quick and crowd-friendly. It is easy to change with what you have and works well for meals and parties. For another creamy pasta salad idea, see The Best Creamy Pasta Salad from Cooking for Keeps. If you want a similar creamy macaroni version, try this Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe from Inspired Taste.

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