Best 3 Creamy Cheesy Pasta Salad Recipes

**Creamy Cheesy Pasta Salad: A Delightful Summer Treat**

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. However, it is especially refreshing during the warm summer months. This creamy cheesy pasta salad is loaded with flavor and texture, making it a perfect side dish or main course for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and can be tailored to your own preferences. Whether you like your pasta salad loaded with veggies or prefer a more classic version, this recipe has you covered. Plus, there are a few variations included to satisfy everyone's cravings. So, gather your ingredients, grab your apron, and let's dive into the world of creamy cheesy pasta salad!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CREAMY PASTA SALAD

Classic Creamy Pasta Salad image

This Classic Creamy Pasta Salad is such a flavorful side dish. Creamy dressing and crispy diced vegetables mixed with elbow pasta make it oh so delicious.

Provided by Dina

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 cup Mayonnaise
3/4 cup Sour cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp pepper to taste
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 cup red onion ((about a quarter of a large onion))
2 sticks celery
1 red bell pepper

Steps:

Start off by making the creamy salad dressing. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Then dice up the red onion, celery, and bell pepper. You can speed the process up by using a vegetable chopper.
Now cook the pasta according to the package or al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, pour out into a colander and quickly rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Then add the pasta, chopped vegetables, and creamy dressing into a large bowl and toss to combine. Here you can add additional salt according to your liking. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 7 g, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 18 mg, Sodium 282 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PERFECT CREAMY MACARONI PASTA SALAD

Perfect Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad image

The key to the best creamy pasta salad is to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water before tossing with the dressing. Skipping this step means the dressing will turn sticky. We also "de-flame" the onion, which tames raw onion flavor so that the onion does not take over the salad. A quick bath in cold water does the trick.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield Makes about 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

8 ounces dry elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
1/4 medium red onion, finely chopped, about 1/4 cup
1 medium bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped, about 1/3 cup
3 radishes, trimmed and finely chopped, about 1/3 cup
1 to 2 medium dill pickles, finely chopped, optional
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise, try our homemade mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard, substitute Dijon or whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons honey, optional for sweet version

Steps:

Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse well under cold water to remove starch from the outside of the pasta.
Meanwhile, add the chopped onions to a small bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside for 5 minutes and then drain. This tones down the raw flavor of the onion so that it won't overpower the salad.
In the bottom of a large salad bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. For a sweeter macaroni salad, add honey to taste. I typically add half of a tablespoon but try one to two tablespoons if you enjoy sweeter macaroni salads.
Add the rinsed macaroni, drained onions, bell pepper, celery, radish, and the pickle to the bowl with dressing. Mix well. Taste, then adjust with additional salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/6 of the recipe, Calories 252, Fat 10.4g, SaturatedFat 2.9g, Cholesterol 10.6g, Sodium 317.2mg, Carbohydrate 32.2g, Fiber 2.1g, Sugar 2.4g, Protein 6.9g

CREAMY PASTA SALAD

Creamy Pasta Salad image

"I love creating new and tasty foods, including this popular side-dish salad," Lori Menard writes from Omaha, Nebraska. "I make it often for my husband and me, especially during the summer months. If you add some cooked chicken breast, you can make this a meal for two."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup cooked spiral pasta
1/3 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons chopped cucumber
3 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
2 radishes, sliced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 1021mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

Tips:

Cook the pasta slightly al dente to ensure it maintains a firm texture in the salad.
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and tangy red onion add depth to the dish.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to achieve the desired creamy consistency. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Add a variety of vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the salad. Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and chopped fresh parsley or basil are excellent choices.
Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch.
Serve the pasta salad chilled for a refreshing and flavorful side dish or main course.

Conclusion:

This creamy cheesy pasta salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. Packed with flavor and texture, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With endless possibilities for customization, this recipe can be tailored to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a classic combination of vegetables or a more unique blend of flavors, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite.