This Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful dish packed with yummy flavors! It combines pasta, fresh veggies, and a simple creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
You can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days or picnics. I love sneaking in extra olives—because why not? This salad is a hit at every gathering! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tri-color Rotini Pasta: This pasta is fun and colorful! You can substitute with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells for a twist. Gluten-free pasta works well too if needed.
Italian Dressing: A creamy Italian dressing brings great flavor. If you prefer, you can use a homemade dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs. It can also be swapped with ranch dressing for a different taste.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, but you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It will give a tangy flavor. You can also use a plant-based mayo for a vegan alternative.
Diced Ham or Salami: Use cooked chicken, turkey, or even veggies like chickpeas to make it vegetarian. Leftover grilled meats also work well!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is aromatic and flavorful. If you’re out, parsley or spinach can also add a nice touch. Dried herbs could be used, but start with a smaller amount.
How Do You Make the Pasta Salad Creamy?
The creaminess of this pasta salad comes from the mix of Italian dressing and mayonnaise. To ensure a smooth consistency:
- Whisk the dressing and mayonnaise together well in a mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly with the cooled pasta while it’s still slightly damp to help the dressing stick.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld and keeps the salad creamy.
Keep tasting before serving! Add more dressing if you like it creamier. Enjoy! 😊
Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup Italian dressing (creamy style or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or salami slices, chopped
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella balls, halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Time Needed to Make:
This delicious pasta salad will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a quick dish that can be prepped ahead of time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, cook the tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down quickly. Make sure to drain it thoroughly so it doesn’t get soggy!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy Italian dressing and mayonnaise until it’s smooth and well mixed. This will be the creamy base for your pasta salad.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the cooled pasta to your dressing mixture. Toss it gently to coat the pasta evenly. Next, stir in the diced ham or salami, mozzarella cheese, sliced black olives, and diced red bell pepper. Make sure everything is well distributed so every bite is packed with flavor!
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Fold in the freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle mix, but be careful not to break the pasta!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become even more delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out and give it a quick stir. You can garnish it with some extra fresh basil for a nice touch. Enjoy this creamy and colorful Italian pasta salad as a wonderful side dish or a light main course!
Bon Appétit! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great as a substitute. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and the salad will turn out delicious!
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Healthier?
To make it a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and replace it with Greek yogurt. You can also add more chopped vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad is perfect for making a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as they sit together!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and you may want to add a splash more dressing to revitalize it.
