An easy and delicious cold pasta salad with tender pasta, fresh vegetables and creamy dressing!
This recipe has been in my family for many years, so many years in fact, that the Creamy Italian dressing we originally used to make this is no longer available! My sister from another mister introduced this recipe at a family function and it was a huge hit. Soon after, I started making it for my family and it’s been a staple ever since. This creamy pasta salad is amazing bite after bite.
If you are a lover of yummy side dishes, this one is a family favorite in our house and we love it in the Summer with a grilled hamburger or steak, but it’s just as good in the Winter with a warm sandwich!
What You Need
Penne Pasta
Mayonnaise
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
Fresh Cucumber
Fresh Tomato
Fresh Green Bell Peppers
Fresh Carrots
Salt
Black Pepper
Parsley (for garnish)
Tips for Making Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
The recipe calls for Penne pasta, but use your favorite pasta (elbow or rotini pasta) or gluten-free pasta and cook as directed for this delicious salad
It is important to use mayonnaise and not Miracle Whip; the sweetness of Miracle Whip is not a good combination with the Creamy Italian dressing
Buy your favorite Creamy Italian dressing; I use Wishbone
Use your favorite fresh vegetables in this pasta salad
More Delicious Side Dishes
How to Make Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Once you have the pasta cooked and the vegetables chopped, this easy recipe comes together quickly!
Step 1: Cook pasta to al dente or according to package directions. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse several times in cold water until the pasta is cool to the touch. Once the water has drained from the pasta, transfer to a large bowl. Chop vegetables into bite size pieces and add to the bowl with cooked pasta.
Step 2: Add the mayonnaise, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing, salt and black pepper to the pasta and vegetables and and stir to combine, ensuring pasta and vegetables are well coated. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. NOTE: you may need to add more Creamy Italian salad dressing prior to serving as the dressing will soak into the pasta. Garnish with parsley (optional).
1)ready to combine prepared ingredients; 2) fresh veggies added to pasta; 3) mayonnaise and Creamy Italian salad dressing added to pasta and veggies; and 4) salad ready to eat.
How to Store Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad recipe gets better the longer it is in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to give the pasta salad a good stir, mixing up all those good flavors before serving the next day!
My family likes the combination of cucumber, tomato, green pepper and carrots in this pasta salad. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite veggies like red onion, green onions, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper (or what's in your refrigerator!) and maybe some black olives, if you're game!
This is the best pasta salad is an easy side dish! Give it a try, it is Forkin' Good!
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