Creamy Pasta Salad

Square overhead shot of a creamy pasta salad recipe in a white bowl.

Print Pin

5 from 4 votes

A creamy pasta salad that's perfect for picnics, potlucks with friends, or light summer dinners.

Course Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword creamy Italian pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time 1

Total Time 1 25

Servings cups

Calories 297kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

2 cups (about 7 ounces) uncooked rotini pasta (about 4 cups cooked)
¾ cup creamy Italian salad dressing (I use Wish-Bone)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use Duke's)
½ cup halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
½ of a sweet bell pepper (any color), seeded and chopped
½ cup sliced cucumber
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup mini pepperoni, diced ham, or chopped crispy bacon
½ cup cubed cheese, such as sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or fresh mozzarella
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions for al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together the creamy Italian salad dressing and the mayonnaise. Set aside.
Once the pasta is completely cool, transfer it in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, pepperoni (or ham or bacon), cheese, olives (if using), and basil. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine. It looks like a lot of dressing initially, but the pasta will absorb some of it as it chills in the fridge. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours before serving. Just before serving, give everything a good stir. Add a little bit more creamy Italian dressing (or mayo) if it looks dry.

Notes

The salad is best if it has at least 1-2 hours to chill in the fridge. You can even prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just add a little bit more dressing right before serving to loosen it up as necessary.

Nutrition