Description
This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is the perfect back-pocket recipe – quick enough for weeknights and always a hit at potlucks. It’s creamy, fresh, and full of simple flavors that appeal to everyone. This dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and preparation time. The combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, sharp red onion, and creamy dressing creates a balanced and satisfying salad. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions like bacon or fresh herbs to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something to bring to a gathering, this pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Save this recipe and get ready to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or shells)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped bacon or fresh parsley
Preparation:
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy salad, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
- Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to cool it down quickly. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) until smooth. This forms the creamy base of the dressing.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, thawed peas, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Step 6: Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool completely.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It takes minimal time and effort to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The simple flavors and creamy texture appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient for meal prepping or planning ahead for events.
- Delicious and Refreshing: The combination of creamy dressing, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying and flavorful salad that is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
- Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers for a complete meal.
- Pack it in lunchboxes for a refreshing and satisfying midday meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped bacon for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve it as a light and refreshing lunch on its own.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is key for the best texture.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to your liking.
- For a tangier flavor, use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Add chopped bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Mix in other vegetables like diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
- If you’re making the salad ahead of time, add the peas and cheese just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg per serving
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its quick preparation time, crowd-pleasing flavors, and versatility make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or picnics. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious and refreshing salad that everyone will love. So, save this recipe and get ready to impress with its creamy, fresh, and flavorful goodness!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- A: Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.
- Q2: Can I use different types of pasta?
- A: Absolutely! Rotini and shells are recommended, but you can use any short pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente.
- Q3: What if I don’t have sour cream?
- A: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or additional mayonnaise. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
- Q4: Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
- A: Yes, you can definitely add meat to this pasta salad. Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or even canned tuna would be great additions.
- Q5: How long does this pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
- A: This pasta salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. After 3 days, the pasta may start to become a bit mushy, and the flavors may not be as fresh.
