Description

This classic Creamy Pasta Salad brings comfort and joy, a true labor of love without the labor. It's simple, nourishing, and tastes like pure sunshine. Perfect for sunny afternoons, family gatherings, potlucks, and make-ahead meals, this dish is beloved by kids and adults alike, and it always disappears fastest.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Elbow Macaroni
1½ cups Mayonnaise
1 cup Celery
½ cup Red Onio
½ cup Red Bell Pepper
½ cup Green Bell Pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon White Vinegar
1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley

Instructions

Boil your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water. Set the pasta aside to cool completely
While the pasta cools, finely dice the celery, red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
Add the cooled pasta and diced vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are well coated
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your Creamy Pasta Salad for at least 2 hours. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta; cook until al dente for best texture.

Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and remove starch, preventing sticking.

Chop vegetables finely and uniformly for balanced flavor and crunch.

Allow adequate chill time (at least 2 hours or overnight) for flavors to meld.

Adjust seasoning again after chilling, as pasta may absorb some flavor.

Store leftover Creamy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If dry after storage, stir in 1-2 tablespoons extra mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, picnic, potluck, make-ahead, easy, side dish, family gathering