Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss
A vibrant and protein-packed creamy pasta salad featuring fresh veggies and garden rotini, perfect for summer gatherings or quick meal prep.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 8 oz Garden Rotini Pasta Twisted shape holds dressing well.
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Creamy richness, adds depth of flavor.
- 0.25 cup Italian Vinaigrette Dressing A tangy base for the creamy texture.
Vegetables
- 0.5 cup Chopped Red Onion Adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
- 1 medium Cucumber Fresh and crisp, provides hydration.
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Juicy bursts of flavor throughout the salad.
- 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Sweetness and color to brighten the dish.
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning Light spice kick that enhances flavors.
- 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adds warmth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp White Sugar Balances flavors for a tasty finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Chop the red onion, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and grape tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
- Cook the garden rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool.
Cook/Assemble
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, and Cajun seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Italian vinaigrette dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, tossing gently to coat.
- Add ground black pepper and white sugar, adjusting to taste.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Serve
- Remove the pasta salad from the fridge.
- Give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional fresh herbs or black pepper, if desired.
- Serve cold as a side dish at your summer gatherings or as a quick lunch option.
Notes
For added protein, consider mixing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. Leave out the Cajun seasoning if you’re not fond of spice; use herbs instead for a lighter flavor. Store in airtight containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.