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Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss

A delightful, creamy, and healthy pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 oz Garden Rotini Pasta Provides a fun, twirly texture that holds dressing well.
  • 1 cup Cucumber, diced Refreshing and crunchy; zucchini can be used as an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion, diced Adds a sweet crunch; use green onions for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved Burst with sweetness in every bite; substitute with cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper, diced Offers a vibrant color and sweet flavor; any bell pepper can work.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Italian Vinaigrette Dressing Brings tang and depth; other vinaigrettes are suitable.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Gives creaminess; Greek yogurt can lighten the dish if desired.
  • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning Adds a touch of spice; Old Bay seasoning can be swapped in.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Enhances the overall flavor; omit if sensitive to spice.
  • 1 tsp White Sugar Balances acidity; replace with honey or agave syrup for a healthier touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Chop the cucumbers, red onion, yellow bell pepper, and halve the grape tomatoes.
  3. Cook the garden rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes in boiling salted water until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed pasta with the chopped vegetables.
Dressing and Assembly
  1. In a separate bowl, mix together the Italian vinaigrette dressing, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, and sugar.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat all components.
  3. Adjust seasoning if desired, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid, allowing the flavors to meld in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Serving
  1. After chilling, stir the salad to redistribute the dressing.
  2. Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls, garnishing with extra veggies for added color.
  3. Enjoy immediately or return leftovers to the fridge.

Notes

Best made ahead of time for optimal flavor. Can be stored for up to 5 days.