Creamy Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad recipe combines al dente pasta with a tangy dressing, peas, cheddar cheese, and red bell pepper for a refreshing side dish that's perfect for a picnic or potluck dinner.

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 271kcal

Author Wanda Simone

Equipment

pot
colander
cutting board
Chef’s knife
large mixing bowl
measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
mixing spoon

Ingredients

16 ounces small to medium-sized pasta such as rotini or macaroni
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 Tablespoon ranch dressing mix
½ cup frozen peas rinsed in cold water to thaw
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
¼ cup red bell pepper diced small
Salt & pepper

Instructions

Salt a pot of water and bring it to a boil on the stove.
Add the pasta and cook to al dente, according to package directions.
16 ounces small to medium-sized pasta such as rotini or macaroni
Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water until it has cooled completely.
While the pasta is cooking, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and ranch dressing in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 Tablespoon vinegar, 1 Tablespoon ranch dressing mix
Pour the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
Add the peas, cheese, and red bell pepper to the bowl.
½ cup frozen peas, 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup red bell pepper
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, and toss to coat.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Salt & pepper
Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can use 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing instead. The seasoning mix is more concentrated in flavor, so you’ll want to use a larger volume of prepared dressing in its place.
You can use fresh peas instead of frozen. Just cook them for a couple of minutes to blanch them first. And then chill in the refrigerator before adding to the salad.
Feel free to swap out the red bell pepper for green or yellow bell pepper if you like.
You can also add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or diced ham for extra protein.

Nutrition