Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate go-to dish for any gathering, combining vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. This easy-to-make salad features garden rotini pasta mixed with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich, creamy dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a light lunch, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its delightful combination of spices and sweetness elevates the taste, making it a favorite among guests of all ages. With just a few minutes of preparation and a little chilling time, you can serve up a deliciously satisfying side that everyone will love!
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
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Italian vinaigrette dressing, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, and white sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta along with minced red onion, diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, and diced yellow bell pepper to the bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or turkey. Feel free to customize with other vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.