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- 250g rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup sweet corn (canned or cooked) - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a wonderful mix of colors and flavors. The rotini pasta holds the creamy dressing well, making each bite a delight. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber add crunch and brightness. Using Greek yogurt and mayonnaise makes the dressing rich and creamy without being too heavy. Lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Oregano gives it warmth and depth. You can also add black olives and sweet corn for extra taste. Fresh parsley is not just a garnish; it adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. When you pick your ingredients, choose fresh ones. Fresh veggies make the salad taste better. If you want to switch things up, you can add other ingredients, but these are the core ones. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add enough salt to make the water taste like the sea. 2. Once the water boils, add 250 grams of rotini pasta. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. 3. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the pasta from cooking further and helps it cool down. 1. While the pasta cools, wash your vegetables. Dicing makes them easy to mix and eat. 2. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 cup of cucumber and 1/2 cup of red bell pepper. 3. Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. 4. Combine all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Use 1 cup of creamy Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. 2. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste. 3. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. 1. Now, pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the mixing bowl. 2. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly. Make sure every bite gets that creamy goodness. 1. After mixing, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. 2. When ready to serve, garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your refreshing creamy pasta salad! To get a creamy texture, always choose high-quality yogurt and mayonnaise. These add richness and flavor. You can also try using sour cream or cream cheese for a different twist. Both can make your pasta salad even creamier. To boost flavor, start with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder. Using fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten your dish. They add color and taste. Just chop them finely for a nice touch. Creamy pasta salad goes great with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with crusty bread. For serving size, about one cup is perfect for each person. This dish is great for picnics or potlucks. It stays fresh and tasty, making it a crowd-pleaser! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook the rotini pasta until it's al dente. This will help it maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality vegetables such as ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers can significantly enhance the overall taste and texture of your pasta salad. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced avocado, feta cheese, or even cooked chicken to make this pasta salad your own! {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for this salad. Rotini works great, but penne and fusilli are also fun. They add a nice twist to your dish. If you need a gluten-free option, look for rice or chickpea pasta. These choices keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. Adding protein can turn this salad into a meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds flavor and makes it filling. For a plant-based choice, try tofu or chickpeas. They boost protein without meat. Both options fit well with the creamy dressing. Fresh veggies can change with the seasons. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini for a crisp bite. In winter, roasted squash or Brussels sprouts work nicely. Seasonal veggies keep your salad exciting and full of flavor. This way, you can enjoy a new taste each time you make it. Store your creamy pasta salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. If you don’t have one, use a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Make sure no air can get in. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This keeps it safe and tasty. Your creamy pasta salad lasts for about three to five days in the fridge. Look for signs that it has gone bad. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away. If the pasta feels slimy, it’s time to say goodbye. Freezing creamy pasta salad is not recommended. The texture of the pasta and veggies may change when thawed. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Stir well to mix the ingredients again. Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt. It will make the salad lighter. Greek yogurt gives a rich taste, while low-fat yogurt is a healthier option. Both will still create a creamy texture. If you want to cut calories, low-fat yogurt works well. Try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. These will kick up the heat. You can also mix in hot sauce or a splash of sriracha. For a smoky flavor, consider smoked paprika. Adjust the amounts based on your spice level preference. Yes, you can make this salad vegan. Use dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. For extra protein, add chickpeas or tofu. These swaps keep the salad tasty and creamy while being plant-based. This creamy pasta salad is easy to make and fun to personalize. You learned how to cook rotini, prepare fresh veggies, and whip up a tasty dressing. Mix everything for a quick meal or side dish. Remember, you can swap in different veggies, pasta types, or proteins to suit your taste. For storage, keep leftovers in the fridge or consider freezing for later. Enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends. It's a simple, tasty way to enjoy healthy ingredients anytime.

Creamy Dreamy Pasta Salad

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad loaded with vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sweet corn (canned or cooked)
  • 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup creamy Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, sweet corn, and black olives. Toss gently to mix.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a creamy dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve chilled, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Keyword creamy, pasta salad, vegetarian