Go Back
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Olivia
Whip up the best Creamy Italian Pasta Salad in minutes. Packed with veggies and creamy dressing. Get the full  recipe and tips inside
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 477 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Italian Dressing

  • Half a cup of mayonnaise
  • One quarter cup of milk
  • Two to three teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
  • Three quarters teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • One quarter teaspoon of sugar
  • One to two cloves of garlic finely minced
  • A small pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
  • This blend creates a creamy tangy dressing with just the right hint of sweetness.

For the Pasta and Vegetables

  • Four cups of cooked pasta like bow ties or fusilli
  • Ten to fifteen cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half
  • Ten to fifteen mini mozzarella balls sliced in half or chopped if large
  • Three strips of grilled zucchini cut into bite-sized pieces
  • One carrot sliced into thin matchsticks
  • Half an avocado diced or sliced gently
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves torn or chopped
  • Each ingredient is chosen for freshness color, and how well it blends with the creamy dressing. The combination gives the salad both texture and flavor in every bite.

Instructions
 

Make the Creamy Italian Dressing

  • Add the mayonnaise, milk, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper to a glass jar with a lid or a blender.
  • Shake the jar well until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined. If using a blender, pulse until creamy.
  • Place the dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to blend and deepen, making the dressing even more delicious

Prepare the Salad

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. This keeps the texture firm so it holds up well in the salad.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomatoes, mozzarella, zucchini, carrots, avocado, and basil.
  • Pour the chilled dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or a touch more dressing if needed.

Extra Notes

  • This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • To grill zucchini, lightly brush slices with olive oil and grill them until tender with some char marks. If you don’t have a grill, a skillet with olive oil works just as well.
  • Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again to refresh the texture.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 477 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 11 g
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 14 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 16 mg
Sodium: 230 mg
Potassium: 740 mg
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin A: 3152 IU
Vitamin C: 40 mg
Calcium: 86 mg
Iron: 3 mg