Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy pasta salad recipe makes the most perfect simple, and delicious side salad. This salad is loaded with tasty pasta and crisp vegetables. The homemade dressing ties everything together, making the perfect creamy pasta salad.
Ingredients
pasta salad-
- 6 oz uncooked mini pasta shells
- 2 mini cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz colby jack cheese, cubed
- 3 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz bacon, cooked
pasta salad dressing-
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a jar or a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and set aside.
- Air fry the bacon and cut into small pieces.
- Cut the vegetables into small bite-sized pieces.
- Cube the cheese into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- To a large salad bowl, add all the ingredients. Top with the dressing and toss thoroughly to incorporate.
- Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To make in advance, assemble the salad without the dressing and store in the fridge. Add the dressing when ready to serve the salad.