Description
This creamy pasta salad combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives, all tossed in a smooth and flavorful mayonnaise and sour cream dressing. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make dish ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled rotini pasta to the dressing. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, and sliced black olives, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.
- Serve: Before serving, stir the salad once more and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before serving.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise or sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to enhance flavor.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to cool it quickly.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days but is freshest the same day.
