Creamy Pasta Salad

Light and slightly tangy Creamy Pasta Salad, with just enough creamy dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome cold pasta salad.

Perfect on its own for a light meal or as a side dish for all the summer potlucks and barbecues. A homemade pasta salad is better than any deli salad you can buy at the store!

A few years ago, while visiting my aunt and uncle, we were fortunate enough to arrive around dinnertime. (My aunt is a fabulous cook, so I tend to time my arrivals that way. You know, accidentally on purpose?)

Speaking of Aunt Judy’s amazing foods, have you tried her Almond Bars yet? Put them on your holiday baking list right now.

Her pasta salad was so simple and so delicious, I had to recreate it for my family as soon as I got back home. Thanks once again for the inspiration, Aunt Judy.

Cooking the broccoli just long enough to brighten the color and soften the crunch gives this salad a little something extra. (So, I highly recommend that you don’t skip that step.)

Last time I made this, I shot a video to share with you. Be sure to check it out.

Pasta Salad Dressing

The dressing for this pasta salad is creamy, slightly tangy, a little bit sweet, and provides the perfect light complement to this salad.

As simple as it is, it’s absolutely perfect. A scoop of mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and sugar add up to a terrific pasta salad dressing that everyone enjoys.

If you haven’t tried the salad yet, I hope that you’ll love it every bit as much as we do. Every time I make this salad, I stash containers of it in the fridge for my lunches all week.

Cold Pasta Salad

If you love pasta salad for easy meals all year round, you’ll want to try this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad and the Italian Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad after you’ve finished the last bite of this Creamy Pasta Salad.

Many of you are still going crazy over the Spinach Pasta Salad as well. I make that simple salad on repeat all year long.

The Tangy Italian Pasta Salad is another popular one. I have this Greek Pasta Salad and this Tuna Pasta Salad on my list to try soon too. You just can’t have too many great pasta salads at your fingertips, right?

How To Make Creamy Pasta Salad

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks.

2. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large strainer. Rinse well with cold water.

3.  Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.

5. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again.

6. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.

If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.

Get New Recipessent to your inbox!

We never share your information with third parties and will protect it in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad

4.78 from 63 votes

This is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with plenty of different flavors.

Save to Favorites Pin Print Review

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 1 min

Total Time: 11 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

• ▢ SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• ▢ 8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
• ▢ 1 cup tiny broccoli florets
• ▢ 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• ▢ 1/2 cup finely diced red pepper
• ▢ 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• ▢ 1/4 cup very thinly sliced green onion
• ▢ DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
• ▢ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
•  Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta's cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcal · Carbohydrates: 31g · Protein: 5g · Fat: 16g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Cholesterol: 7mg · Sodium: 496mg · Potassium: 184mg · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 2g · Vitamin A: 580IU · Vitamin C: 30.5mg · Calcium: 24mg · Iron: 0.8mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!

Pin this nowto remember it later

Pin this recipe

(originally published 6/6/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 09/4/20}