Print

Easy Creamy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

creamy italian pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and creamy Italian pasta salad perfect for picnics, made with rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a homemade creamy Italian dressing blended with cottage cheese for a silky texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain cottage cheese (small-curd, blended smooth)
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well for about 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup black olives. Toss all veggies in a medium bowl.
  3. In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup small-curd cottage cheese, 1/4 cup Italian dressing, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with veggies. Pour the creamy Italian dressing over the top. Add 1/2 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella. Gently toss everything until well coated.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, toss again and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley if using.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Blend cottage cheese into the dressing for a smooth, creamy texture. Toss gently to avoid bruising veggies or crushing cheese. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Add olive oil if pasta sticks after cooling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, picnic recipe, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, creamy Italian dressing

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-creamy-italian-pasta-salad-recipe-5-step-perfect-picnic-dish/