Ingredients
8 oz (225g) Elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
1 cup Frozen peas
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup Celery, finely diced
2 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add the peas – During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add frozen peas to the boiling pasta. This quickly thaws them while maintaining their bright green color.
3. Drain and cool – Drain pasta and peas in a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
4. Prepare the dressing – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine ingredients – Add cooled pasta and peas to the bowl with dressing. Add diced red onion, celery, and chopped dill.
6. Toss gently – Using a rubber spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
7. Chill and serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Salad:
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing.
• Cool pasta completely – Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Let flavors meld – For the best taste, refrigerate your salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.
• Adjust consistency – If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh it.
• Try a spicy twist – For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the dressing.
Delicious Variations to Try:
• Protein-packed version – Add diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier main dish salad.
• Mediterranean twist – Replace the dill with fresh basil, add cherry tomatoes, and use feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Roasted vegetable option – Mix in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled zucchini for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Easy Meals
- Method: Boil and Mix