Print

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe for 2023

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces of pasta (rotini, penne, or your preference)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup salami or pepperoni, cubed (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Creating the amazing Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is straightforward with these clear steps:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
  2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and slice the olives.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and salami or pepperoni if using.
  5. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. Mix Everything: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Add Cheese: Before serving, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and give it another gentle toss.

By following these simple instructions, you'll create a delightful dish that will impress anyone.

Nutrition