If you have been searching for a delightful, fresh, and comforting pasta dish to brighten up your meal times, look no further than this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe. It combines the tender bite of perfectly cooked ditalini pasta with a luscious cream-based dressing, packed with vibrant veggies and a hint of tangy mustard. Every spoonful offers a wonderful balance of creamy texture, crunchy freshness, and subtle herbaceous notes that will quickly make this salad a staple in your recipe collection. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe shines in versatility and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe couldn’t be simpler, and each one plays a key role in creating an unforgettable taste experience. From the ditalini pasta’s delightful chew to the fresh crunch of celery and the richness of the creamy dressing, every component contributes to the perfect texture and flavor harmony.
- Ditalini pasta: Small tubular pasta that holds the dressing beautifully and cooks to perfect tenderness.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and a slight tang that forms the base of the dressing.
- Sour cream: Balances the mayo with its smooth, tangy profile, enhancing the dressing’s silkiness.
- White wine vinegar: Brings a light acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- Garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic essence without overpowering the salad.
- Onion powder: Infuses a gentle onion background that complements the fresh vegetables.
- Dried parsley: Offers an herbaceous note enhancing the freshness of the dish.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential for seasoning, balancing and bringing all flavors together.
- Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- Red bell pepper: Introduces a pop of sweet color and light sweetness.
- Green onions: Impart a mild sharpness and vibrant green color.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides a subtle sharpness and creamy mouthfeel when combined with the dressing.
- Fresh parsley: Garnishes the salad with fresh, bright herbal notes and a burst of green hue.
How to Make Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Adding salt is important here because it seasons the pasta from within, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Drop in the ditalini pasta and cook it until al dente, usually between 8 to 10 minutes depending on your pasta brand. The pasta should be tender but still have a firm bite, which is perfect for salads as it won’t end up mushy after tossing with the dressing.
Step 2: Chill the Pasta
After draining the pasta, rinse it quickly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This not only cools the pasta but also firms up its texture so it can better hold the dressing. Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for the salad assembly.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and blended. These two ingredients create the luscious, creamy base that defines this recipe. Next, add the white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard, stirring well to incorporate their tang and depth. To finish the dressing, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, pepper, and salt—these seasonings finish the dressing with warmth and subtle complexity.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Dressing
Pour this beautifully whipped dressing over the cooled pasta. Using a gentle hand, toss the pasta carefully to ensure every piece gets evenly coated with the creamy goodness. The key here is gentle mixing to avoid breaking the pasta while still thoroughly blending flavors together.
Step 5: Add Fresh Vegetables and Cheese
Next, fold in the diced celery, red bell pepper, and green onions. These fresh ingredients introduce a delightful crunch and a burst of color that makes the salad visually appealing and texturally exciting. Then, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley, which add richness and a fresh herbal lift that complement the creamy dressing perfectly.
Step 6: Chill and Marinate
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to fully blend and marry together, turning each bite into a symphony of creaminess, herbaceousness, and crisp freshness. Once chilled, your Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For gorgeous presentation and an extra fresh punch, sprinkle a bit more chopped parsley or even some freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving. A few lemon zest shavings also add a bright, citrusy aroma that elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or alongside a light soup for a satisfying lunch. It’s also a fantastic companion to barbecues and picnics as a cool, creamy side that balances smoky, charred flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this pasta salad in individual Mason jars for easy grab-and-go options—or use colorful bowls that highlight the salad’s vibrant hues. You can also turn this salad into a layered dip by alternating pasta and vegetable layers in a clear trifle dish, topped with extra cheese and herbs for a stunning party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pasta salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to even intensify over time—a wonderful bonus if you like your salads extra flavorful.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy pasta salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise and sour cream based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This enhances the flavors without losing its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute ditalini pasta with another type?
Absolutely! While ditalini works great for holding the dressing, small shaped pastas like elbow macaroni or small shells will also work well in this salad.
Is this pasta salad vegan-friendly?
This particular recipe is not vegan because it contains mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. However, you can easily swap for vegan mayonnaise, plant-based sour cream, and vegan cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
How long does it take for the flavors to develop?
For the best taste, allow the pasta salad to chill and marinate for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours or even overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavor significantly.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Try adding cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even sweet corn for extra freshness and color. Just be sure to dice vegetables into small, manageable pieces.
Is it possible to make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This can save time on the day you assemble the pasta salad, and also helps the flavors meld even before mixing with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe a try soon. Its creamy texture, fresh vegetables, and herby dressing make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether as a side for a summer barbecue or a light meal on its own, it’s just the kind of dish that feels like a familiar hug from the kitchen. Dive in, share it with friends, and most of all, enjoy every delightful bite!
Print
Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and refreshing Ditalini Pasta Salad made with tender pasta, a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, crunchy celery and red bell peppers, and flavorful herbs and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the ditalini pasta.
- Cook the pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and cool pasta: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander, then rinse it under cold water for 1 to 2 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Transfer pasta to a bowl: Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl to prepare for combining with the dressing and other ingredients.
- Make the dressing base: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add flavorings to dressing: Mix in white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard into the mayonnaise and sour cream, whisking thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Season the dressing: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt into the dressing mixture, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cooled pasta and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing.
- Add vegetables: Fold in diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions, mixing gently to combine without mashing the veggies.
- Incorporate cheese and fresh herbs: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley until everything is well incorporated into the pasta salad.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or black pepper if desired to enhance flavor.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Present the creamy ditalini pasta salad chilled, ideal as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly chopped vegetables to maintain crunch.
- You can substitute mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add cooked and diced chicken or ham for extra protein to turn this into a main dish.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar or mustard to your taste preference.
