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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a rich, smooth dressing. It’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick family meals. Each bite brings a balance of creamy texture and fresh crunch, making it both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup tiny broccoli florets
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup finely diced red pepper
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup very thinly sliced green onion
Dressing Ingredients
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Prep the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cools, chop the broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, and green onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top.
Mix Well
  1. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend nicely.