If you are searching for the perfect summer side or a light, satisfying lunch, look no further than this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender ditalini pasta coated in a luscious, tangy dressing, dotted with crisp vegetables and melty cheddar cheese. Every spoonful dances with fresh parsley and a hint of garlic and onion, creating a salad that feels both comforting and vibrant. This dish is easy to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and one that your friends and family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this salad truly unforgettable. Each plays a vital role in creating the harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that make the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe so special.
- Ditalini pasta: Small, tubular pasta that captures the creamy dressing perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that provides richness and smoothness.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang that brightens the dressing.
- White wine vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle, sophisticated kick.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential seasonings that deepen the salad’s flavor.
- Dried parsley: Infuses a mild herbaceous note.
- Black pepper and salt: The classic seasoning duo that enhances every bite.
- Diced celery: Adds crispness and freshness for a nice crunch.
- Diced red bell pepper: Brings sweetness plus a vibrant splash of color.
- Chopped green onions: Offers mild sharpness and a pop of green.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts slightly into the salad, contributing creamy, savory richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herb notes and a lovely green finish.
How to Make Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta during cooking, which is key since ditalini’s shape holds flavor well. Add the pasta and cook it following the package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cool the Pasta
Drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander, then rinse under cold water for one to two minutes. This quick rinse stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, so it’s ready to be dressed without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cools, mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Then whisk in white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard for tang and depth, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture is what makes the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe truly stand out.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and gently toss until every piece is coated in that luscious, creamy goodness. This step ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Add the Veggies and Cheese
Fold in diced celery, red bell pepper, and green onions to add crunch and pops of fresh, bright flavor. Finally, stir in shredded cheddar and chopped parsley, melding creamy, savory, and fresh herbaceous notes beautifully.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors blend and develop, taking the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe to its full potential.
How to Serve Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or some freshly cracked black pepper on top. A few small cherry tomato halves or thin slices of radish also add a lovely freshness and a burst of color, making the salad visually inviting and tastefully vibrant.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or even fish tacos. It’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual clear cups as a fun appetizer, or fill hollowed-out bell peppers for a striking presentation. You can even layer the salad in a trifle dish with alternating colors of veggies for a stunning buffet centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or snacks after a busy day.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of both the pasta and vegetables, so it’s not recommended if you want to maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Reheating
Because this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly less chilled dish, simply let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for a softer, creamier experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is ideal because of its size and shape, small pasta like elbow macaroni, mini shells, or orzo work beautifully as well to hold the creamy dressing.
Is this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep. It can be made a day in advance and refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time during a busy week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives or vegan versions, and use a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether for a tasty dairy-free pasta salad.
How can I make the salad more colorful?
Adding ingredients like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or even a handful of sweet corn kernels will boost both the color and flavor profile.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking stops the heat and washes away excess starch that causes sticking. Tossing the pasta with a little bit of dressing right after cooling also helps keep it separate.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe is more than just a pasta salad—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, enjoying it on a sunny picnic, or making it a quick weeknight dinner, this salad never disappoints. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side at any gathering. Featuring perfectly cooked ditalini pasta tossed in a rich, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, it is packed with crunchy celery, sweet red bell peppers, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese, all enhanced with fresh parsley. Quick to prepare and best served chilled, this salad offers a creamy texture and vibrant flavors in every bite.
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 and 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente but still firm to the bite.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, then rinse under cold running water for 1 to 2 minutes to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Transfer Pasta: Move the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl, ready for the dressing and other ingredients.
- Prepare Dressing Base: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream, mixing until smooth and thoroughly blended for a creamy dressing foundation.
- Add Vinegar and Mustard: Stir in white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard with the mayonnaise mixture, whisking well to unify the flavors.
- Season Dressing: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to the dressing, stirring evenly to distribute the seasonings.
- Coat Pasta: Pour the prepared dressing over the cooled pasta and gently toss to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced celery, diced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions into the dressed pasta, mixing gently to combine with the coated pasta.
- Include Cheese and Fresh Herbs: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley, blending all ingredients until well integrated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and season further with salt or pepper if needed to enhance the flavor.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy ditalini pasta salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light, creamy main course.
Notes
- Ensure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and to help cool it for the salad.
- For a tangier dressing, you can add a bit more white wine vinegar to taste.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- If you prefer a lighter alternative, reduce the mayonnaise or sour cream quantities or substitute with Greek yogurt.
