Classic Cold Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe with Mayo

Nothing beats the refreshing, creamy, and utterly satisfying taste of a classic cold pasta salad. Whether you’re hosting a vibrant summer barbecue, preparing a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or simply craving something cool and comforting, this creamy pasta salad with mayo is the perfect choice. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with fresh flavors—a dish that effortlessly steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Every forkful is a delightful symphony of textures—tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a luscious, tangy dressing that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that gets devoured within minutes, leaving guests raving and asking for the recipe. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for making ahead of time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for an easy win in the kitchen, this creamy pasta salad promises foolproof deliciousness every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pasta salad—it’s the ultimate creamy pasta salad, and here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Unbelievably Creamy & Flavorful: The rich mayonnaise dressing, infused with a touch of tangy Dijon mustard and a hint of sweetness, is downright addictive.
• Perfectly Chilled & Refreshing: The cool, crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy dressing beautifully.
• Meal Prep Perfection: Make it ahead of time, and let the flavors mingle—the longer it sits, the better it tastes!
• Versatile & Customizable: Play around with ingredients based on your cravings. Add protein, swap out veggies, or give it an unexpected twist with bold seasonings.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this salad never fails to impress.

So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create the most irresistible, creamy pasta salad you’ve ever had!

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or macaroni—choose your favorite!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sweet corn (canned, fresh, or even grilled for extra flavor!)
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a burst of freshness)

For the creamy dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (use high-quality mayo for the best taste)
• 2 tbsp sour cream (for extra tangy creaminess—highly recommended!)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a hint of sharp, sophisticated flavor)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for a zesty kick!)
• 1 tbsp honey (or sugar for a touch of sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.Add the pasta and cook until just al dente—you want it tender but with a slight bite.Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.Transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Step-2. Chop & Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta cools, dice, slice, and chop all the vibrant vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion. Dice the cucumber and shred the carrots for extra crunch and color. Set everything aside in separate bowls for easy assembly.

Step-3. Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing is velvety smooth and oh-so-creamy.

Step-4. Bring Everything Together

Add the chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), and fresh parsley to the cooled pasta. Pour the heavenly creamy dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until each piece is perfectly coated.

Step-5. Let It Chill & Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. When ready to serve, give it a quick toss, garnish with extra parsley, and enjoy!

The Bottom Line:

And there you have it—the most irresistible, creamy, flavor-packed cold pasta salad you’ll ever make! Whether you’re bringing it to a summer cookout, preparing it for meal prep, or just craving something cool and satisfying, this pasta salad will never disappoint. Give it a try, and get ready to watch it disappear from the bowl in record time! Happy cooking!

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Also Read:

19 Best Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings