Creamy Garden Delight Pasta Salad
This Creamy Garden Delight Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where fresh flavors shine. A harmonious blend of colorful vegetables and creamy textures, this pasta salad features tender shell pasta enveloped in a luscious dressing made with yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise. It's not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option packed with vitamins and nutrients from garden-fresh ingredients like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this salad can be made ahead of time and chilled for maximum flavor, making it a convenient and delicious choice for any meal.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell pasta
1 box (cooked according to package instructions)
cheddar cheese
1/2 lb (cubed)
red pepper
1 (diced)
yellow pepper
1 (diced)
cucumber
1 (seeded and diced)
tomatoes
2 medium (seeded and diced)
red onion
1 small (diced)
plain yogurt
8 ounces (none)
sour cream
8 ounces (none)
mayonnaise
16 ounces (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
3
Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing and mix until all the pasta is evenly coated.
4
Gently fold in the cubed cheddar cheese, diced red and yellow peppers, seeded and diced cucumber, seeded and diced tomatoes, and diced red onion until combined.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld. For best results, let it chill overnight.
6
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garden Delight Pasta Salad?
It is a fresh summer dish featuring shell pasta, colorful vegetables, and a creamy dressing made from yogurt, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for shell pasta, which helps hold the creamy dressing in its curves.
How many servings does this pasta salad make?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes red peppers, yellow peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is a blend of plain yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be chilled for at least 3 hours, though refrigerating it overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses half a pound of cubed cheddar cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead dish because the flavors meld together while it chills in the refrigerator.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The shell pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions, then drained and cooled.
What is the preparation for the cucumber and tomatoes?
Both the cucumber and the tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being added to the salad.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, one teaspoon of sugar is included to balance the flavors of the dressing.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of mayonnaise.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
Two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar are used to add a touch of acidity and depth.
What type of onion is recommended?
One small diced red onion is used for its color and mild, sweet flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
While the recipe calls for plain yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used as a thicker, high-protein substitute.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, its creamy texture and fresh ingredients make it a perfect choice for summer picnics and outdoor events.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of salt.
Are both red and yellow peppers necessary?
The recipe uses both for color and variety, but you can use any bell peppers you have on hand.
What is the preparation for the cheddar cheese?
The cheddar cheese should be cut into small cubes.
Does the recipe contain mustard?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a bit of tanginess.
Is this a healthy option?
Yes, it is packed with vitamins and nutrients from the garden-fresh vegetables.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of sour cream.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While shells are recommended, other short pasta shapes like rotini or bow ties would also work well.
How much yogurt is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 8 ounces of plain yogurt.
What should I do if the pasta absorbs all the dressing?
If it seems dry after chilling, you can stir in a small amount of extra yogurt or mayonnaise before serving.
Should the pasta be hot when mixed with the dressing?
No, the pasta should be cooled before combining it with the dressing ingredients.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I skip the chilling time?
It is not recommended to skip chilling as it allows the flavors to meld and the salad to reach the proper serving temperature.