Pasta salad is one of the most popular dishes for summer gatherings and picnics. It is an easy-to-make dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This recipe for creamy pasta salad with peas is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to use up leftovers. It is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients and Preparation
This creamy pasta salad recipe is made with a few simple ingredients. To make this dish, you will need:
1 lb of rotini pasta
1 cup of frozen peas
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup of sour cream
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
To prepare the salad, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and let it cool to room temperature. While the pasta is cooling, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl and mix everything together until the pasta is coated in the dressing. Finally, add the frozen peas and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Serving and Storing
This creamy pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature. It tastes great when served on its own but can also be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak. The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
This creamy pasta salad recipe is very versatile and can be customized to suit your own tastes. Here are a few ideas for variations:
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
For a Mexican twist, add corn, black beans, and cilantro.
For a flavorful kick, add some hot sauce or sriracha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
Any type of short pasta will work for this recipe. Rotini, fusilli, or penne are all good choices.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some variations for this recipe?
This recipe can be customized to suit your own tastes. You can add olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, corn, black beans, and cilantro for a Mediterranean twist. For a Mexican twist, add jalapenos, tomatoes, and cilantro. For a flavorful kick, add some hot sauce or sriracha.
