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
Scale
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.
