Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Enjoy a delightful and vibrant meal with this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad recipe. Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or a quick dinner, this dish combines a variety of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. Pasta salads are versatile and loved by many, making them a fantastic choice for occasions where you want to impress without much effort. If you enjoy pasta salads, you might also love trying out this creamy pasta salad bliss.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. With its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own. The combination of savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and zesty vegetables creates a delicious taste that appeals to everyone. This pasta salad is also great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week! You may also find Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe useful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1½ lemons)
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup diced small red bell pepper (from about 1 small pepper)
- 1/2 cup finely diced shallot (from about 1 large shallot)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced hard uncured salami
- 1 cup diced mozzarella
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Directions
Make the Creamy Italian Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine homemade mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Pasta Salad
- In a separate large bowl, add the cooked pasta and all the diced vegetables, salami, and mozzarella.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced basil for added flavor.
- Taste and add additional kosher salt or black pepper if needed.
Serving
Serve the Creamy Italian Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great addition to any picnic or barbecue. If you’re looking for more fun pasta salad ideas, consider checking out this Italian grinder pasta salad.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta salad can last for about 3 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to store it without the dressing if you plan to keep it longer than a day.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, you can add more mayonnaise or a little sour cream.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer more crunch, add cucumbers or snap peas.
Variations
Feel free to customize your pasta salad with different proteins or vegetables. You could try using grilled chicken, shrimp, or a variety of diced veggies like cherry tomatoes or corn. For a unique flavor twist, consider this Big Mac pasta salad recipe as a fun alternative.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works fine if you’re looking to save time.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can swap out the regular pasta for whole grain pasta and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lighten it up.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad is an accessible and versatile dish that brings together great flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a simple meal, this recipe is sure to please. For further inspiration, you can explore this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad recipe or check out another great version at 12 Tomatoes. Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup homemade mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1½ lemons)
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup diced small red bell pepper (from about 1 small pepper)
- 1/2 cup finely diced shallot (from about 1 large shallot)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup diced hard uncured salami
- 1 cup diced mozzarella
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
Instructions
Make the Creamy Italian Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine homemade mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Pasta Salad
- In a separate large bowl, add the cooked pasta and all the diced vegetables, salami, and mozzarella.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced basil for added flavor.
- Taste and add additional kosher salt or black pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve the Creamy Italian Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
