Best Creamy Pasta Salad Recipes

THE BEST CREAMY PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse well with cold water until pasta is cold.
• Place cooked and cooled pasta in a large mixing or serving bowl.
• Mix in broccoli florets, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, sliced olives and cheese.
• Whisk together all dressing ingredients and pour over pasta and other ingredients.
• Gently fold in dressing until all ingredients are evenly coated.
• Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

CREAMY CRAB AND PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
• In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN, ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl; keep chilled until ready to toss with salad. (Store in clean jar with lid.)
• Bring 1 gallon of water and 2 Tbs. of salt to boil in a large soup kettle. Add pasta and, using package times as a guide, boil, stirring frequently and adding asparagus the last 1 minute, until just tender. Drain thoroughly (do not rinse) and dump onto a large, lipped cookie sheet. Set aside to cool while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
• Place all salad ingredients (except buttermilk dressing) in a large bowl or transfer to a gallon-size zippered bag. (Can be covered and refrigerated several hours at this point.) When ready to serve, add dressing; toss to coat and serve.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD IN CREAMY CURRY DRESSING

Steps:

• In a large kettle of boiling salted water cook the pasta for 10 minutes, or until it is tender, refresh it in a colander under cold water, and drain it well. In a large bowl combine the pasta, the chicken, the tomatoes, the scallions, and the basil.
• Make the dressing:
• In a skillet cook the garlic and the gingerroot in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the garlic is softened, add the cream, and cook the mixture, whisking, until it is thickened slightly. Whisk in the vinegar, the curry powder, the red pepper flakes, and the chutney.
• Add the dressing to the pasta mixture, tossing the salad to combine it well, and season the salad with salt and pepper.

GARDEN PASTA SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Mix together salad ingredients in a large salad bowl.
• Mix together dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
• Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat evenly.
• Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

CREAMY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, basil, parsley, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Meanwhile, cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a colander with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl.
• Add the chicken and red peppers to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND ARUGULA PASTA SALAD WITH ASIAGO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, chives, sour cream, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the chicken, arugula, Asiago and onion to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Put shrimp in colander and run under cool water to defrost.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run under cool water to stop cooking; drain again and place into large bowl.
• Add shrimp and all vegetables to the pasta and stir lightly to distribute colors evenly.
• In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix mayonnaise, spices and lemon juice. Whisk together to make a smooth dressing, and pour over pasta, shrimp and veggies.
• Stir gently to coat all ingredients, cover, and chill at least two hours.
• (If needed or wanted, a dollop or two more mayo may be added without changing other ingredients.).

CREAMY SHRIMP PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Strain and allow to cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mascarpone, Dijon and 2 teaspoons salt. Add the pasta, shrimp, Parmesan, peas, peppers and fennel; toss to coat. Fold in the basil and dill. Serve at room temperature or cold.

CREAMY VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Place 1 in. of water in a small saucepan; add broccoli. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes; rinse in cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, pasta, carrots, peas, ham, cheese and onions., In another bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

CREAMY CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
• Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup water, the vinegar, mustard, dill, chives and 2 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl. Remove the skin from the chicken and shred the meat into large pieces. Add the chicken, celery and cucumber to the dressing and gently stir to combine.
• Shake the excess water from the pasta and add it to the chicken salad. Season with pepper and toss. Serve over the greens.

ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD WITH A CREAMY LEMON DRESSING

Steps:

• Dressing -- mix all the ingredients and set to the side until the pasta and asparagus are cooked.
• Salad -- In a large pot of salted water, boil the pasta according to directions. Approximately 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus until is comes out al dente. Now drain the pasta and asparagus. Rinse under cold water for just a few seconds to stop the cooking process and cool slightly.
• Combine -- Now toss the still slightly warm pasta with the dressing. Add in the scallions, extra salt and pepper and serve garnished with the cheese fresh lemon slices. A nice simple salad!
• Now this is a very light tasting salad with a very simple dressing. It doesn't have bold flavors, but subtle flavors which is a nice compliment to a fresh herb roasted chicken breast or piece of fish. This is all about fresh subtle flavors.

CREAMY, CHEESY PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Gently toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Set aside.
• For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise and milk.
• Then add the sugar and vinegar.
• Stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
• Refrigerate at least 2 hours Overnight is even better.

CREAMY HERBED SHRIMP AND ROASTED RED PEPPER PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, scallions, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the shrimp, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the shrimp, roasted red peppers and celery to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Cut cheeses into small cubes and combine in a large bowl with pasta, broccoli, ham, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pepperoni. Mix in the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

CREAMY HERBED EASTER HAM AND PEA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, mint, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the ham to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

CREAMY ROASTED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven broiler.
• In a bowl, mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, and onion on a baking sheet. Pour the oil and vinegar mixture over the vegetables.
• Broil the vegetables 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly scorched. Remove from heat, and cool.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
• In a large bowl, toss the vegetables, pasta, and mayonnaise. Top with Parmesan cheese to serve.

CREAMY BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook rotini to desired doneness as directed on package.
• Drain; rinse with cold water until cool.
• Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine sour cream, cheese, mayonnaise, milk and garlic; blend well.
• In large bowl, combine broccoli, tomatoes, carrot and basil.
• Add cooked rotini; mix well.
• Add sour cream mixture; toss gently to mix thoroughly.
• Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

CREAMY HERBED TOMATO-ARUGULA PASTA SALAD WITH BACON

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Put the bacon in a large, cold skillet then cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
• Whisk together the mayonnaise, basil, sour cream, chives, parsley, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the arugula and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and top with the bacon. The pasta salad is best if served right away.