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.
Follow BAREFEET IN THE KITCHEN on Pinterest for more great recipes!
This cold pasta salad is filled with broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, black olives, and green onions. Everything gets tossed in a light creamy dressing and the result is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with plenty of different flavors.
I love salads with more vegetables than pasta. Recipes like this Asian Pasta Salad and this Summer Couscous Salad are great salads that thrill my vegetable loving heart.
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. 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
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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.
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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.
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Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
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Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
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Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again.
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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.
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
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
Nutrition
(originally published 6/6/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 09/4/20}
Anonymous says
In the Creamy Summer Pasta Salad I see Black Olives. But, you do not have them listed in the Salad Ingredients.
Mary says
Thanks for catching that! I've added the olives to the recipe.
Carla from The River says
Yummy, looks refreshing for a hot day.
Thank you!
Kate says
What a perfect side for a warm weather barbecue!
Mary says
Scrumptious salad – I think everyone in my family will like this!
Mary
Kim Honeycutt says
I love pasta salads! Thanks for this one. Pinning it!!
Pam says
Yum, I love a good pasta salad!
Candace @ Cabot says
Love this simple recipe. Pasta and veggies – a perfect combo for a summer salad. I might sneak a little plain Greek yogurt in with the mayo to up the protein.
Jennifer Lounsbury says
Good idea!
gmp says
Looks delicious! What is the name of the pasta you used in the picture?
Anonymous says
Ditalini, often used in Italian soups.
Debbie Fairchild-Ramsey says
I made this for dinner, it is very good.
Anonymous says
I'd love to make this for our graduation party. Could anyone help with adjustments to ingredients for 50 servings?
Mary says
If you multiply the recipe times 8, that would give you approximately 50 servings. I wouldn't attempt making more than half of that at a time though. Enjoy the party!
Anonymous says
How far in advance would you make this and it still seem saucy? I have a baby shower on sunday but i have a wedding on saturday so i was planning on making enough for 40 on friday…would it be okay or should i prepare it but add the sauce the morning of the shower?
Mary says
Normally, I'd suggest that it would be fine, just toss before serving. However, with quantities like that, it's harder to know that for certain. I like the way the flavors meld after it has been refrigerated for a while, so I wouldn't keep them separate, but it might dry out a little bit. I'd suggest making a small extra portion of the sauce and be ready to add it to the salad if it isn't as saucy as you'd like. Happy celebrating this weekend!
Charlotte says
Made this for the weekend and it was so good!
Anonymous says
Bacon added would also be good!
Anonymous says
Can I sub Greek yogurt for the mayo and it taste the same?
Mary says
It won't taste the same, but it will work. If you do substitute yogurt, it will be best served the same day. Enjoy!
Paola says
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
Mary says
I usually use tiny raw florets, Paola. But I've also used leftover roasted broccoli and that was delicious too. Feel free to briefly cook it (still leaving it mostly crisp) if you aren't a fan of the raw broccoli.
Anonymous says
This is my favorite pasta salad to make. Everyone loves it. I LOVE the addition of broccoli to this salad, makes it pop. Really love this. Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous says
I used cauliflower instead of the broccoli, it was delicious.
Anonymous says
I love this salad and it can be versatile. I add chopped boiled eggs and sometimes green olives as well. I have also made a dinner out of this dish by adding chopped pork tenderloin along with a bit of the juice for flavor. Serve with a crispy French Bread loaf with garlic butter. Yum
barbara hamilton says
This salad rocks!! I have made almost every pasta salad imaginable but this is the best and favorite of any.
The previous poster is correct; it is versatile. I like it as the recipe is written, but add a few flakes of parmesan cheese that brings it over the top! Thank you Mary.
Anonymous says
Used the same dressing on cole slaw……it is great. Can't wait to try it with pasta
Michelle says
Hi Mary. Trying your recipe for the first time. We are attempting to triple it. Wish me luck 🙂
My question comes a little late as we are making it as I speak but….Do we use the entire green onion (green leaves and bulb) or just the white bulb part? It's hard to tell in the pictures. Thanks in advance for the answer!
Mary says
Hi Michelle,
I hope the salad turned out well for you! I typically slice the whole onions from the green tip down through most of the white bulb. I hope that helps for next time!
All the best,
Mary
Anonymous says
I just made this oh so good I just add grape tomatoes mmmmm. Love it
Charlotte says
I make this all the time, its really good!
Anonymous says
I'm thinking of trying this with frozen green peas instead of the brocolli and maybe celery instead of cucumber. It looks really good.
Jeanie C says
My daughter makes something similar. It has cheese in it. Yummy
Mary Villegas says
Can I use gluten free pasta? Will it be just as good? I have a daughter who cannot eat gluten and I don't want her not to be able to enjoy this delicious looking salad.
Mary says
I have made this with gluten free pasta and it's great that way. However, most GF pastas aren't their best 24 hours later, they tend to be much firmer than we like after being refrigerated for a while. So, typically, I won't double this recipe or plan on leftovers when making it GF.
Paul Cameron says
I added a cup of crumbled feta cheese and it really enhanced this dish 100 per cent
Mary says
That sounds great!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I live on pasta salad in the summer, I am definitely trying this one soon! Thanks for including my Greek version!
Louise Krüger says
The recipes looks absolute divine and I would really love them
Marty says
Can i add cubed cheese to the pasta salad?
Dorothy says
Is there nutritional info with the recipes..
André Paquet says
I just append to Côme acrost your web site in Pinterest, and i found your recepies quitte easy and fun to,do
Merci et continuez à nous aider dans la cuisine
André
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Connie says
this sounds really good going to make this, thank you for sharing .
Connie
Shirley says
How many servings
Abbey Robbins says
How many does this serve? It looks really good. I’m needing a recipe for 40-50 guests for my daughters graduation
Gail says
Will make this weekend
Do you use miracle whip or Hellmann mayonnaise
Mary says
I use plain mayonnaise, not miracle whip.
Mary says
I made this for Memorial Day and I loved it. My husband didn’t like it that much but he did eat a little (veggies) lol very refreshing to me and many others.
Lori says
Delicious! This has become one of my go-to pasta salads for the summer. It’s not super creamy so it’s a little easier on the waistline too!!
Pat Means says
Am i missing something? The picture posted has black olives and what looks like red bell peppers. I cannot see either one posted in the ingredients. How much of each did you use. It looks so yummy I can hardly wait to make this salad.
Mary says
Both of those ingredients are listed in the recipe. 🙂
nancy says
was wondering if you thought water chestnuts and or artichoke hearts would be good in this as well?
Amanda says
Wondering if it would be just as good with tomato instead of red bell pepper?
Mary says
Tomato would be tasty, however, it won’t keep as nicely as the firmer pepper. I typically plan on pasta salads lasting several days, so tomato isn’t my first choice. If you’ll be eating all of it or making it the day you plan to serve it, it should be fine.
Aimee says
This looks great! If I’m making it two days ahead should I wait to mix the pasta with the sauce?
Mary says
The leftover salad keeps fine for a few days, but if it were me and I knew I wouldn’t be serving it for two days, I’d wait to mix it. Enjoy!
kathy says
love this salad!!! I’ve been making it for 2yrs & the family still loves it!
Debbie says
How far ahead can I make the pasta salad?
Mary says
I’ve made it the day before without any issues. It should keep well for a couple of days.
gugu says
please send me recipe
Meredith says
I have made this recipe several times and everyone always loves it! I have forwarded this pin, per request at least 6 times! So simple and easy to make ahead for a party and I have taken it camping! So yummy.
Paul Cameron says
If you really kick up this recipe , I added crumbled feta cheese , it reall anhanced the flavor and consistsncy
Nan Chapman says
I’ve made this 2 times and my family loves it! Thank you!
Gargi Banerjee says
Thanks for the recipe.Should be easy to make and a healthy option during hot summer day!
carol l labree-mayo says
This id delishous. I made it for a family bbq and was very pleased with the results . Easy to make and very pretty.
Gayle says
Would cilantro be good in this salad?
Mary says
Absolutely!
Julie says
Too bland for my family.
Wondering what I can to to jazz it up?
Mary says
What kind of flavors are you looking for? It might just need a little more salt for your tastes. More tang? a splash of vinegar will help. Want a little spicy heat? I have made this with several shakes of cholula hot sauce or tabasco too.
Karen Post says
Good tasting and essy to make! Nice change from italia dressin i usually use make for pasta.
Mary says
I’m going to make this! I’m thinking I’ll add some fresh mottzarella (Galbaoni) and some Rossiterie chicken to make it a meal. Yum!
Debbie says
I also add chopped ham and cheese to make it more of a light dinner meal.
Vickie bennett says
Send daily recipe
Doris says
My husband does not like cucumber – I had lots of yellow crookneck squash from the garden so I used that instead.
Jessie says
the first time I made this dish my family went crazy over it. We are not a huge olive fan so instead I put in cherry tomatoes and that made the dish colorful and tasty. I am sure the olives are tasty. Thanks for This dish is quick and easy to make and once you make it you can pretty much memorize it for the next time. sharing the recipe!
krystal says
I really love the flavor of this but after refrigerating it’s like the salad sucks up all the tasty sauce :/ Then I have to make more and mix in. Thinking of not adding the mayo mixture until ready to serve to prevent that.
Anna Finch says
Thanks for the great recipe!
My children never liked the paste, but in this interpretation with the salad, they really liked it. They say that when they come from school and do all the lessons, I would have prepared a dish for them again. I am just in joy!
Sincerely, Anna
Andy Reed says
thank you! I like it!
Martha says
My clients and I love this salad! It has a nostalgic look and taste, and pairs perfectly with anything from sandwiches and burgers to baked or grilled chicken. I can easily omit items some will not eat (such as olives). I always make a double batch of the dressing; sometimes the seems a little dry otherwise. Definitely a repeater on a lot of menus. (I am a personal chef who cooks for multiple families.)
Mary says
I am thrilled that you like the pasta salad so much, Martha!
Kat says
So good. I used small elbow macaroni. The dressing is yummy. Followed recipe to a tee.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the recipe, Kat!
Ann says
I was looking for a really good pasta salad not using a vinegerette type dressing!! I was also looking for something with more veggies. Love this recipe!!!! It is amazing and will make it again and again!!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the pasta, Ann!
Cher says
Love this salad….I added roasted sweet peppers, kale ,and green olives….mmmm
Mary Younkin says
I bet those were delicious additions, Cher!
Rachel says
This is honestly is the best pasta salad I have had. My husband made it a couple weeks ago, but he didn’t save the recipe. I hounded him to look for it again. So happy to have found it! Thanks so much. This is a keeper!
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy to hear that you like the salad so much, Rachel!
Lori says
Absolutely delicious! My family and friends love this!
Mary Younkin says
I am so happy that you’re enjoying this pasta salad!
Beverly says
I added salami and mozzarella balls as well as peas for color. Sort of Italian style! The dressing is good and makes a good dressing for cucumber salad or broccoli salad but add more vinegar for a more tangy flavor. This recipe a good base for creativity!
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Beverly!
Rosalind says
Loved this I added a dijon mustard, and pickle juice with the dressing omg. Made the pasta with a fun pasta, Bow ties! 2 cups instead of 1 cup of elbow or ditalini
Thank you
For this recipe
Cheers,Rosalind
Mary Younkin says
Your variations sound delicious, Rosalind!
Sherri says
This best pasta salad EVER! It’s not heavy like a traditional pasta salad and I appreciate the vegetable additions. Big hit at potlucks! Thank you so much for this refreshing delicious recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you are enjoying the salad, Sherri!
Judith Gardner says
Is there a printable version of this recipe? This is a favorite of our family, THANK YOU!!
Mary Younkin says
There sure it. Just click the print button in the recipe card, Judith. Enjoy!
Judith Gardner says
OF COURSE!!! You are efficient that way. I am making this for our family tomorrow, along with fresh peach pies & home made vanilla ice cream. By the way, my granddaughter, almost 16 asks frequently for me to make this salad!!!
Mary Younkin says
Enjoy the pasta salad, Judith!
Anamika says
Is it ok to make this a day ahead? Im going to make it for 100 people and want to make sure its not last minute. Plus, do u think I can use ranch in it(want to get back up groceries in case I run put of mayo 🙂 ). Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
Yes, this can be made a day in advance, Anamika. I haven’t tried using ranch in it myself, but that should work.
Panda Girl says
It’s so creamy and delish! It’s also a great noodle to eat in the summer cause it’s nice and cold. I just ador it! And am so happy to be part of this cooking thingy and that i can look this stinkin’ thing up cuase its soooooooooooo good!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the salad!
Kat says
Love this pasta salad, have made it at least 5 times and turns out perfect each time. Love all your recipes, bought your cookbook and signed up for your newsletter. Keep up the delish recipes, much appreciated!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so very happy to hear that you’re enjoying the recipes, Kat!
Kat says
This is the best pasta salad! I make it once per week in the summer and am making it for the third time this winter. I am not a fan of the Italian dressing pasta salad and this is so delicious, I have made several of your recipes and your tastes are so in line with mine! Delicious, easy and appreciated by others. I also purchased your cookbook and signed up for your newsletter. Keep the recipes coming!
Patricia A Cahill says
Excell!!!!! Perfect timing finding this recipe before summer…….thank you.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the salad, Patricia!
Jeanette says
This was definitely the best creamy pasta salad ever, omg!! So amazing!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love it, Jeanette!
Suzane says
Is there something I can use instead of vinegar?
Mary Younkin says
Lemon juice will also work, Suzane.
Anna says
Delicious !! Made this for lunch today because it was really hot and it didn’t disappoint!! I also had some veggie bacon which I threw in and it tasted great 🙂
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you loved it, Anna! I made it again last week too.
Darlene says
This is the best healthy pasta salad I make for summer side. I put extra veggies in it for the family. The dressing is perfec! We love it! Thank you sooooo much for posting!
Mary Younkin says
You are welcome, Darlene. I’m glad you and the family enjoyed it.
meng says
Excellent!!!!! Perfect timing finding this recipe before summer…….thank you.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like the salad!
Kirsten says
I have an unholy love for pasta salad and this is the absolute best recipe I’ve found. 100% perfect. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that, Kirsten!
Love says
I am yet to make this, but I was just curious. Is it necessary to add the sugar?
Mary Younkin says
Sure, you could do that. I wouldn’t recommend it, but it’s possible to make it without it.
MrsSW says
Looks great, Mary. Thanks for sharing.
Sheila
Mary Younkin says
I hope you love the salad, Sheila!
Beth says
That salad looks absolutely delicious. I must make this. I cant rate it cause I havent tried it yet but I just can tell it will be so yummy.
Mary Younkin says
I hope that you love it, Beth!
Carol Paulsen says
The recipe needs to have the olives added I assume with the cucumber, pepper, and onions. I found the dressing needed “something”. I ended up adding some garlic powder and garlic salt. I’d say it was an okay recipe but not one of my favs this time. I’m thinking I might try it again and add some Uncle Dan’s ranch dressing mix to the dressing for the flavor I was looking for.
Mary Younkin says
Glad you were able to make it work to your tastes, Carol.
Qondie says
Mmm yummy
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the salad!
Duarte says
Yes its creamy but it’s actually just mayo with salt pepper vinegar and sugar.
Mary Younkin says
Well, I never claimed it was rocket science, Duarte. It’s pretty delicious with just a handful of ingredients.
Judy Nachtigal says
I have made this salad a few times, and I absolutely love it. The first time I made it, (as I always do with new recipes,) I made it as listed…with just one change. I hate olives! (I love olive oil though. I know, weird! ) So I subbed them for diced spicy dill pickles. I liked it a lot, but then adapted it to my preferences. I really appreciate how a great chef can offer her unique recipes, and then her readers can make their adaptations.
I felt the salad soaked up so much of the delicious sauce after it sat a bit, so I added extra sauce. And because I love tangy, I made this with about 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp. dill pickle juice, a little more black pepper, a pinch of sugar. Yum! Hard to resist a little snack of this salad when I open the refrigerator door.
Thank you Mary for another inspiring recipe.
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the salad so much, Judy!
Carol says
This is a truly delicious pasta salad. I have a hard time resisting it when I have some in the fridge. I followed the recipe except for omitting the olives, which I don’t care for, and adding an ear of fresh corn at my husband’s suggestion. Fantastic!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the pasta salad, Carol. I bet it’s delicious with added corn too!
Liz says
Thanks for the recipe! This was delicious! I didn’t have enough white vinegar or mayo so I supplemented with apple cider vinegar and sour cream.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Liz!
Shannon says
I lost my mother’s version of this recipe (again) and was loathe to call her…..I am glad that I didn’t. This was better! My only changes were red wine vinegar vs white vinegar, chopped olives vs sliced olives and garlic salt vs kosher salt. I kept the amounts as they were, except I doubled the broccoli (we LOVE broccoli in this house!). Although it sounds like a lot of changes, it really was just slight tweaking. This recipe would have been great if followed exactly.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you love the salad, Shannon!
Elizabeth says
I made this following the recipe exactly (minus the olives). Yum! My whole family enjoyed it. It is much better than the macaroni salad that you get from the grocery store deli. I had no idea it was so easy to make! I will make this again for sure.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you loved it, Elizabeth!