Name: Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta; 1 cup tiny broccoli florets; ½ cup diced cucumber; ½ cup finely diced red pepper; ½ cup sliced black olives; ¼ cup very thinly sliced green onion; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon sugar

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite picnic staple: Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish packed with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a silky mayonnaise dressing that ties everything together. It’s the kind of bowl everyone hovers around at summer potlucks, asking for just “one more scoop.” This easy recipe shines with garden-fresh flavor and the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy—ideal for poolside gatherings, lunchboxes, or those lazy Sunday afternoons when you crave comfort food, but want to keep things fresh and light.

Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients. These ingredients are simple, but they all play a vital role—whether it’s adding crispness, bright color, or that extra pop of flavor that keeps each bite interesting. Grab your best vegetables and a box of small pasta, and let’s dive in!

Salad macaroni or ditalini pasta (8 ounces): These bite-sized shapes soak up dressing and pack a delightful chew in every forkful.
Tiny broccoli florets (1 cup): Absolutely essential for crunch and a lovely burst of green; just blanch lightly to keep things crisp-tender.
Diced cucumber (½ cup): Brings a cooling, juicy crunch, balancing the richness of the dressing.
Finely diced red pepper (½ cup): Adds sweet flavor and a pop of summery color that looks gorgeous in the salad.
Sliced black olives (½ cup): Briny, savory notes that deepen every bite—don’t be afraid to use extra if you love them!
Very thinly sliced green onion (¼ cup): Gives subtle zing and a fresh, oniony bite without overpowering the mix.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy heart of the whole dish, binding all the flavors together for that signature luscious texture.
White wine or plain vinegar (2 teaspoons): Delivers a bright tang that wakes up the dressing and balances the creaminess.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon, adjust to taste): Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the finished salad—taste as you go!
Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly cracked is best here.
Sugar (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch for rounding out the acidity and highlighting the sweetness of the veggies.

How to Make Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli

Start by bringing a pot of well-salted water to a lively boil, then add your chosen small pasta shape. The salt is important here—not only does it season your noodles, but it makes the whole salad taste brighter later on. Just before the pasta finishes cooking (when there’s about 30 seconds left), toss in the tiny broccoli florets. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli bright green and perfectly crisp-tender. Don’t forget to drain everything promptly and rinse under cold water; this stops further cooking and keeps every component beautifully fresh.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

While that’s going, whip together your mayonnaise, white wine or plain vinegar, salt, black pepper, and a hint of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it all a good stir until the dressing is silky smooth. This creamy base is what sets Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients apart, ensuring every bite is just the right amount of tangy and rich.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Dressing

While the noodles and broccoli are still slightly cool—but not too wet—toss them into the bowl with your dressing. Stir well, making sure every bit of pasta is thoroughly coated. This is when the flavor magic happens—coating everything evenly ensures the creamy tang is in every single bite.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Mix

Fold in the diced cucumber, diced red pepper, sliced black olives, and those slivers of green onion. Stir gently but thoroughly so the veggies mingle evenly throughout the salad. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed—Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients should sing with flavor at this point!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to a full day ahead) to let all the flavors meld. Right before serving, give it another light stir—sometimes the dressing settles a little—and enjoy your batch of Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients at its chilly, creamy best!

How to Serve Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill adds a garden-fresh finish and gorgeous pops of green. Sprinkle extra black pepper or even a dusting of paprika on top just before serving for visual flair and a little extra zing—these little touches make Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients stand out on any table.

Side Dishes

Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients is fantastic alongside anything grilled. Think juicy burgers, sizzling chicken skewers, or grilled corn. It also pairs beautifully with light sandwiches or roast chicken. For a vegetarian spread, plate it with grilled veggie platters and ripe summer tomatoes—every bite is sensational and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients in individual mason jars or pretty glass bowls for picnics and parties—it looks stunning when layered with a few extra veggies on top. For a potluck, pile it high in a big, shallow salad bowl or even a hollowed-out bell pepper for an unexpected, edible presentation. For something cute, scoop it into lettuce cups for easy, handheld bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients stores like a dream! Scoop any extras into a tightly sealed container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days, staying fresh and flavorful. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing can thicken or settle a little over time.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients—the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies often lose their crispness after thawing. For best results, enjoy within a few days and always prepare with fresh ingredients.

Reheating

This one is a cold salad classic, so no reheating necessary—just serve straight from the fridge! If you want the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. If the pasta seems dry after storage, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter substitute—just keep in mind, it has more tang than mayo, so you may want to adjust the vinegar and sugar to taste for your Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Cook just until al dente, as gluten-free noodles can break up if overcooked—your Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients will still be deliciously creamy!

What other vegetables can I add?

Get creative! Chopped celery, shredded carrot, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully. The Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients base is flexible—use whatever crisp, colorful veggies you love or have on hand.

Can I make this vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan mayonnaise, and double-check the ingredients on your pasta to ensure it’s egg-free. The result will be every bit as creamy and bright, making for a fantastic vegan Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients.

How far ahead can I make it?

Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients tastes best after chilling for at least an hour, but you can make it up to a full day in advance. This makes it perfect for busy days—just stir well before serving to blend the dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that checks every box—easy, fresh, bursting with texture, and irresistibly creamy—let Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients be your go-to summer recipe. Whether for gatherings or cozy nights in, it’s guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, get mixing, and enjoy every delicious, sunshiny bite!

Creamy Summer Pasta SaladIngredients Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 31 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful Creamy Summer Pasta Salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. This pasta salad is packed with vibrant veggies and coated in a creamy, tangy dressing.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, adding salt to the water. Add broccoli near the end of cooking, then drain and rinse.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Combine Ingredients: Add pasta and broccoli to the dressing, then mix in cucumber, red pepper, olives, and green onions.
Chill and Serve: Adjust seasonings if needed, refrigerate until serving, and stir before serving.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be substituted for some or all of the mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American