Best 3 Creamy Shell Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a creamy symphony of flavors with our Shell Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that combines the classic comfort of pasta with a medley of fresh, vibrant ingredients. This versatile salad features a creamy dressing that brings together tangy mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, creating a luscious coating for the tender shell pasta. An explosion of textures and flavors awaits, as crisp celery, sweet red bell pepper, and savory red onion add a delightful crunch, while grated carrots contribute a touch of natural sweetness. Chopped hard-boiled eggs add a protein-packed element, and the addition of fresh parsley infuses each bite with a burst of herbal freshness. Whether you're seeking a refreshing side dish for your next barbecue or a light and satisfying main course for lunch, this creamy shell pasta salad is sure to impress with its creamy, flavorful dressing, and an array of colorful, crisp vegetables.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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.

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

Ingredients

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 SHELL PASTA SALAD

Creamy Shell Pasta Salad image

When I took this to a ladies' salad luncheon, the bowl was completely cleaned out!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked small pasta shells
3/4 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
1/3 cup cubed process cheese (Velveeta)
1/4 cup chopped cucumber
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup sunflower kernels
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
DRESSING:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup prepared ranch salad dressing
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, carrot, cheese, cucumber, celery, sunflower kernels and egg. , In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 332mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp celery, and tender pasta.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This will help it hold its shape and texture in the salad.
Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Make sure to use a dressing that you love and that complements the other ingredients.
Add some protein: If you want to add some protein to your pasta salad, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Don't overmix the salad: Once you've combined all the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the salad. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Conclusion:

Creamy shell pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With its creamy dressing, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this creamy shell pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!