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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side at barbecues. Packed with colorful vegetables and enveloped in a creamy dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled meats for a satisfying meal. Chill it before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities, making it a go-to recipe for warm weather.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12–16 ounces Garden rotini pasta (cooked)
  • ½ Medium red onion, minced
  • 1 Cucumber, diced
  • ½ Pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Medium yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 3 tablespoons Italian vinaigrette dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 + 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon White sugar

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian vinaigrette, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and white sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the cooled pasta along with minced red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and yellow bell pepper. Gently fold to combine.
  4. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours before serving.
  • Author: Juniper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No cooking required after pasta preparation
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating diced carrots or radishes. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. Customize the mix by adding your favorite herbs or olives for more flavor.