This delightful Creamy Buffet-Style Pasta Salad is sure to be a favorite at any gathering, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, family reunions, or as a zesty side on a sunny day. Featuring a vibrant blend of bell peppers, celery, and red onion tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s not only visually enticing but also bursting with flavor. The mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard provides a rich and tangy creaminess that will please any pasta salad aficionado. Feel free to enhance it with olives and Parmesan for an extra flavor boost, and savor this simple yet adaptable dish !
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Introduce the pasta to boiling water and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Vegetables: To the bowl with the dressing, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, parsley, and optional black olives and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and mixed with the vegetables. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Give the pasta salad a quick stir before serving and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve chilled.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Buffet-Style Pasta Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any gathering. The creamy dressing, colorful vegetables, and customizable add-ins make it versatile and satisfying. Whether it’s served at a picnic, a buffet, or alongside a summer barbecue, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Creamy Buffet-Style Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Introduce the pasta to boiling water and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Vegetables: To the bowl with the dressing, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, celery, parsley, and optional black olives and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently toss until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and mixed with the vegetables. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Give the pasta salad a quick stir before serving and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve chilled.