Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal. This pasta salad combines tender pasta with colorful vegetables, savory meats like salami, and a creamy, tangy Italian dressing that ties everything together. The addition of ingredients like olives, mozzarella, and fresh herbs adds layers of flavor, making it both satisfying and delicious. It’s an easy-to-make salad that can be prepped ahead of time, making it a go-to option for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup salami, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta down. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, salami, black olives, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mix again.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve your Creamy Italian Pasta Salad cold for a delicious, creamy, and refreshing meal or side dish!
