Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender pasta, vibrant peas, and a rich creamy dressing, making it perfect for any gathering or as a quick meal. This versatile salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish or enjoyed on its own for lunch or dinner. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully in the fridge. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this creamy pasta salad is an excellent choice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz cooked chicken (chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Thaw the peas and chop the cooked chicken if necessary.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, peas, chopped chicken, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently until well coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg