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Creamy pasta salad with broccoli, red bell peppers, and black olives in a blue bowl.

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

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This creamy pasta salad recipe combines tender macaroni, fresh vegetables, and a tangy-smooth dressing for a refreshing, versatile dish. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or quick weekday lunches, this salad is simple yet full of flavor.

  • Total Time: 20
  • Yield: 4–6 people

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) salad macaroni or ditalini pasta

  • 1 cup tiny broccoli florets

  • ½ cup diced cucumber

  • ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper

  • ½ cup sliced black olives

  • ¼ cup very thinly sliced green onion

Dressing Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar (or plain vinegar)

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta & Broccoli:
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In the final 30 seconds of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, then rinse under cold water to cool.

  2. Prepare Dressing:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar until smooth and creamy.

  3. Combine Ingredients:
    Add the cooled pasta and broccoli to the dressing. Stir well to coat. Fold in cucumber, red pepper, olives, and green onion.

  4. Chill and Serve:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • If you forget to cook the broccoli with pasta, microwave it with 1 tablespoon water for 60–90 seconds.

  • For extra creaminess, add 1 tablespoon sour cream to the dressing.

  • This salad tastes even better when prepared a day ahead.

  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Salad / Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling & Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian