Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines cooked garden rotini pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy dressing. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even casual family dinners. With its colorful presentation and delightful blend of flavors, this pasta salad is sure to please everyone at your table. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator. Whether served as a side or as a light main course, this Creamy Pasta Salad will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white sugar
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the garden rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian vinaigrette, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the minced onion, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, and diced bell pepper to the bowl. Gently stir until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or shrimp. Customize with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.