Best 20 Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes

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Savory and creamy are the perfect words to describe this simple and delicious pasta salad. It includes creamy pasta salad recipes for every palate, whether you prefer a classic creamy dressing, a tangy vinaigrette, or a creamy dressing with bacon and cheese or avocado and ranch. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these easy-to-make and flavorful pasta salad recipes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CREAMY PASTA SALAD RECIPE



The Best Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe image

The absolute BEST Creamy Pasta Salad made with broccoli, cucumbers, olives, cheese, red onion, red pepper, and broccoli then tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This is the perfect pasta salad for parties and potlucks!

Provided by Elyse

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package Ditalini pasta (or whatever pasta you have on hand)
1 cup broccoli florets (chopped)
1/2 red onion (minced)
1 red bell pepper (minced)
1 cucumber (diced)
1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced olives (drained)
1 cup block Colby Jack cheese (cubed)
1 cup Mayonnaise
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse well with cold water until pasta is cold.
  • Place cooked and cooled pasta in a large mixing or serving bowl.
  • Mix in broccoli florets, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, sliced olives and cheese.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients and pour over pasta and other ingredients.
  • Gently fold in dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

CREAMY CRAB AND PASTA SALAD



Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad image

Crabmeat and pasta are tossed with a creamy seasoned sauce in this great chilled salad.

Provided by dakota kelly

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 27m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package uncooked pasta shells
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound cooked crabmeat
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 504.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING



Chicken Pasta Salad in Creamy Curry Dressing image

Categories     Salad     Milk/Cream     Chicken     Pasta     Tomato     Quick & Easy     Lunch     Basil     Curry     Summer     Boil     Gourmet     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 pound rotelle
1 whole skinless boneless chicken breast (about 3/4 pound), poached and cut into bite-size pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves
For the dressing
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
dried hot red pepper flakes to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped drained bottled mango chutney, or to taste

Steps:

  • In a large kettle of boiling salted water cook the pasta for 10 minutes, or until it is tender, refresh it in a colander under cold water, and drain it well. In a large bowl combine the pasta, the chicken, the tomatoes, the scallions, and the basil.
  • Make the dressing:
  • In a skillet cook the garlic and the gingerroot in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the garlic is softened, add the cream, and cook the mixture, whisking, until it is thickened slightly. Whisk in the vinegar, the curry powder, the red pepper flakes, and the chutney.
  • Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing the salad to combine it well, and season the salad with salt and pepper.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING



Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing image

Make and share this Garden Pasta Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
2 medium carrots, grated
1 cup broccoli floret
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled,seeded,and diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, sliced thin
2/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Mix together salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
  • Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

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

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.

CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad image

Yummy and well suited for summer entertaining. The colors make the dish pretty, but it's healthy and filling, too. Made with fat-free mayo, you can't go wrong.

Provided by Cinnamom in Illinois

Categories     Healthy

Time 28m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (8 ounce) package frozen cooked baby shrimp
1/2 lb small shell pasta (can also use ditalini or elbow macaroni)
1 stalk celery, without leaves, diced fine
1 small yellow sweet onion, diced fine
1/2 green pepper, cored, seeded, rinsed and diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dill (2 teaspoons if using fresh)
1 lemon, juice of

Steps:

  • Put shrimp in colander and run under cool water to defrost.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run under cool water to stop cooking; drain again and place into large bowl.
  • Add shrimp and all vegetables to the pasta and stir lightly to distribute colors evenly.
  • In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix mayonnaise, spices and lemon juice. Whisk together to make a smooth dressing, and pour over pasta, shrimp and veggies.
  • Stir gently to coat all ingredients, cover, and chill at least two hours.
  • (If needed or wanted, a dollop or two more mayo may be added without changing other ingredients.).

CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD



Creamy Herbed Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Salad image

Stir grilled chicken into this creamy pasta salad with broccoli and roasted red pepper.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
One 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast
2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
8 ounces dried penne
1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, basil, parsley, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Meanwhile, cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a colander with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl.
  • Add the chicken and red peppers to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
1 pound campanelle pasta
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup champagne vinegar
1/4 cup mascarpone, at room temperature
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 pound jumbo (21/25 count) peeled and cooked shrimp, cut in half
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup sweet peppadew peppers, thinly sliced
1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Strain and allow to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mascarpone, Dijon and 2 teaspoons salt. Add the pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, peas, peppers and fennel; toss to coat. Fold in the basil and dill. Serve at room temperature or cold.

CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND ARUGULA PASTA SALAD WITH ASIAGO



Creamy Herbed Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad with Asiago image

Grilled chicken is tossed with pasta, arugula, Asiago cheese and a creamy dressing loaded with fresh herbs.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
One 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 ounces dried cavatappi
6 cups loosely packed arugula
1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, chives, sour cream, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the chicken, arugula, Asiago and onion to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD



Creamy Chicken and Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
8 ounces tubetti or other small tube-shaped pasta
1 1/4 cups 2% percent Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 rotisserie chicken
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and chopped
Freshly ground pepper
8 cups mesclun greens

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup water, the vinegar, mustard, dill, chives and 2 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl. Remove the skin from the chicken and shred the meat into large pieces. Add the chicken, celery and cucumber to the dressing and gently stir to combine.
  • Shake the excess water from the pasta and add it to the chicken salad. Season with pepper and toss. Serve over the greens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 672, Fat 32 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Cholesterol 114 milligrams, Sodium 1724 milligrams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 44 grams

CREAMY ROASTED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD



Creamy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad image

A highly flavourful, tangy pasta salad that is incredibly simple, yet decidedly elegant. Perfect for a summer lunch or as an elegant side dish.

Provided by Dusty

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
½ cup diced yellow bell pepper
½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
½ cup chopped white onion
1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven broiler.
  • In a bowl, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion on a baking sheet. Pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the vegetables.
  • Broil the vegetables 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly scorched. Remove from heat, and cool.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
  • In a large bowl, toss the vegetables, pasta, and mayonnaise. Top with Parmesan cheese to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.9 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 73.6 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

CREAMY VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD



Creamy Vegetable Pasta Salad image

It's always fun to incorporate the vegetables we grow in our garden into different dishes. This salad not only gives me the opportunity to use our vegetables, it looks and tastes great.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups broccoli florets
4 cups cooked spiral pasta
2 medium carrots, julienned
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sliced green onions
DRESSING:
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place 1 in. of water in a small saucepan; add broccoli. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes; rinse in cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, pasta, carrots, peas, ham, cheese and onions., In another bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252 calories, Fat 17g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CREAMY, CHEESY PASTA SALAD



Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Salad image

I love cheese in a pasta salad - good with BBQ or for a picnic, or any time you want a creamy pasta salad!

Provided by LorenLou

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
3 dill pickles, finely chopped
3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
3 celery ribs, sliced thinly
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1 cup mayonnaise (can use low-fat Hellmann's or Kraft)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar or 1/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute
1/4 cup cider vinegar
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Gently toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Set aside.
  • For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise and milk.
  • Then add the sugar and vinegar.
  • Stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours Overnight is even better.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING



Chicken Pasta Salad in Creamy Curry Dressing image

I could eat a gallon of this at least once a week! What a delicious change from the ordinary chicken pasta salad. From Gourmet Magazine, July 1990.

Provided by anovamom

Categories     Chicken

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 lb rotelle pasta or 1/4 lb other spiral-shaped pasta, cooked and drained
3/4 lb cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
5 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaf
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
dried red pepper flakes, to taste
2 tablespoons mango chutney (or to taste)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, scallions, and basil. Set aside.
  • In a skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until the garlic is softened.
  • Add the cream and cook the mixture, whisking until slightly thickened.
  • Whisk in the vinegar, curry powder, red pepper flakes, and chutney.
  • Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing to combine well.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 864.9, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 198.9, Sodium 141.2, Carbohydrate 84.2, Fiber 12.3, Sugar 1.6, Protein 59.7

KITTENCAL'S CREAMY GREEK-STYLE PASTA SALAD



Kittencal's Creamy Greek-Style Pasta Salad image

If you are a lover of Greek salad and Greek food then you are certain to enjoy this --- once you make this a few times you will most likely need to play around with the dressing ingredient to suit taste, I have listed 1/3 cup mayonnaise to be added to the dressing you may need to adjust the mayonnaise amount to desired creaminess after the salad is mixed --- plan ahead this salad needs to chill for at least 4 hours before serving

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Vegetable

Time 4h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 lb dry rotini pasta
1 small cucumber (peeled, seeded and chopped)
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, chopped (or use 5-6 green onion, chopped)
1/2 cup sliced kalamata olive
1 1/2 cups cubed feta cheese (you will need more for the dressing)
salt (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
1 fresh garlic clove (or use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano (or use 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in place of oregano and basil)
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup mayonnaise (more if needed mixed in the salad at the end)

Steps:

  • Cool the pasta in boiling water until al dente; drain then rinse well under cold water.
  • Place the pasta in a large bowl.
  • Add in cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives and cubed feta cheese; toss to combine.
  • For the dressing; in a processor place the garlic clove and process until minced.
  • Add in all the remaining ingredients except the mayonnaise;process until well blended (about 20-30 seconds) then add in the mayonnaise and process until combined.
  • Pour over the salad ingredients in the bowl; toss to combine (if you prefer a creamier salad then add in more mayonnaise to taste).
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.3, Fat 25.7, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 31.8, Sodium 529.2, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 3.2, Sugar 5.8, Protein 13.1

CREAMY BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD



Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by carolinafan

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 ounces uncooked rotini pasta (spiral shaped pasta, 1 1/4 cups)
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 tablespoon skim milk
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup fresh broccoli florets
3/4 cup Italian plum tomato (3 to 4 medium)
1 medium carrot, finely shredded (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Steps:

  • Cook rotini to desired doneness as directed on package.
  • Drain; rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine sour cream, cheese, mayonnaise, milk and garlic; blend well.
  • In large bowl, combine broccoli, tomatoes, carrot and basil.
  • Add cooked rotini; mix well.
  • Add sour cream mixture; toss gently to mix thoroughly.
  • Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

CREAMY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Creamy Italian Pasta Salad image

This is my favorite pasta salad recipe based on years of making it for BBQs and family get-togethers. A little bit of everything in this Italian dish.

Provided by Alexandra Girardi

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Farfalle Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
5 ounces Muenster cheese
5 ounces Colby-Jack cheese
5 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, sliced
½ cup pepperoni, cut into quarters
1 (8 ounce) bottle creamy Italian salad dressing (such as Wish-Bone®)
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried oregano, or to taste
1 pinch paprika, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  • Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  • Cut cheeses into small cubes and combine in a large bowl with pasta, broccoli, ham, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pepperoni. Mix in the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 469.8 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Cholesterol 57.6 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 20.7 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 984.8 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY LEMON DILL DRESSING



Pasta Salad With Creamy Lemon Dill Dressing image

My son's favorite summer salad. Very light and refreshing on hot days. You can make it with low fat mayo and yogurt if you wish for a low cal version, and you can basically substitute any kind of veggies you want.

Provided by Semra22

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package small shape pasta (wagon wheel, small shells etc.)
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 lemon, juice and zest of
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions or till just al dente. Drain pasta.
  • Combine the vegetables and pasta together in large bowl.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper together.
  • Fold into pasta mixture. Chill in fridge 2 hours or so or till ready to eat.

CREAMY HERBED EASTER HAM AND PEA PASTA SALAD



Creamy Herbed Easter Ham and Pea Pasta Salad image

Dress ham and peas with a creamy parsley, chive and mint dressing for a pasta salad that sings of spring.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8 ounces dried penne or pennette
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 cup diced ham

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, mint, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the ham to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY VEGAN PASTA SALAD



Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad image

I bring this macaroni salad to BBQs and potlucks and everyone loves it--people never even realize it's vegan!

Provided by btnymeg

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups whole-wheat elbow pasta
½ bell pepper, diced
⅓ cup corn
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tablespoons diced red onion
½ cup vegan mayonnaise
3 teaspoons white vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Strain pasta and rinse under cold water. Drain.
  • Combine bell pepper, corn, celery, and red onion in a bowl. Mix together vegan mayo, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; pour over vegetables. Mix in cold pasta and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Cover pasta salad and let cool in fridge for at least 90 minutes before serving, stirring occasionally to mix sauce into pasta evenly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Carbohydrate 25.2 g, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 172 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

Tips:

  • Select the right pasta. Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal for pasta salad because they hold the sauce well.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the salad.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. Different colors and textures will make your pasta salad more visually appealing and flavorful.
  • Don't overcrowd the salad. Too many ingredients will make the salad difficult to mix and serve.
  • Use a creamy dressing. A creamy dressing will help to bind the ingredients together and make the salad more flavorful.
  • Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Creamy pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that is perfect for your next potluck, picnic, or backyard barbecue. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give creamy pasta salad a try!

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