Creamy Pasta Salad 🍝🥗

This delightful creamy pasta salad is perfect for any gathering, from summer picnics to cozy family dinners. It's rich, flavorful, and packed with colorful vegetables. Customizable to your taste, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal go-to dish for busy days!

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 3 cups of cooked pasta (fusilli or penne works great)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup of bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup of sweet corn (canned or frozen)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the creamy dressing

• 1 cup of Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of sugar (to balance flavors)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and corn.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth.

🥄 Adjust the seasoning to your liking! If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice. If you want it creamier, a little extra yogurt or mayo will do the trick.

• Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad, and toss gently until everything is well coated.
• Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🧊 This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost. 🥩
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs like dill, basil, or chives to enhance the flavor. 🌿
• Spicy kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a zesty twist. 🔥
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs, and your salad will still taste fantastic! 😊
• Vegan: Substitute Greek yogurt and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.

Enjoy this deliciously creamy pasta salad with friends and family, and watch it disappear in no time! 🍽️✨