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Creamy Picnic Pasta Salad

A chilled creamy pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables, cheese, and tangy dressing that is perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup peas thawed
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until fully cooled.
  3. Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
  4. Combine pasta, vegetables, cheese, and parsley in a bowl.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, reserve a little dressing to stir in before serving leftovers.