Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- SALAD INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
- 1 cup tiny broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup finely diced red pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup very thinly sliced green onion
- DRESSING INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
- adjust to taste1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Directions
- 1
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
- 2
Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving. Enjoy!
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate easy summer side dish that's ready in a flash? This Creamy Summer Pasta Salad is your answer, bringing refreshing flavors and a delightful creamy texture to any warm-weather gathering. It's the perfect make-ahead option that only gets better as the flavors meld.
What makes this salad a standout is its incredible efficiency: just 1 minute of active cooking time for the pasta, then a quick chop and mix. The thoughtful blend of crisp vegetables like tiny broccoli florets, cucumber, and red pepper with savory black olives and bright green onion, all coated in a tangy-sweet creamy dressing, ensures every bite is balanced and satisfying. It’s a truly effortless classic that delivers on taste.
You can expect a delightful harmony of textures in this pasta salad—tender macaroni or ditalini, crunchy cucumber and bell pepper, slightly firm broccoli florets, and the briny pop of sliced black olives. The rich, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing coats everything beautifully, providing a comforting creaminess that complements the fresh, vibrant vegetables. It’s a comforting yet refreshing experience, reminiscent of cherished summer picnics and barbecues.
Feel free to experiment with the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand; fresh corn kernels or diced celery would make excellent additions. For a different flavor profile, a touch of fresh dill or parsley could be stirred into the dressing. You can also adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
This versatile creamy pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, backyard barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or any of your favorite warm-weather mains.