Creamy Pasta Salad with Sour Cream Dressing 🍜❄️ Cool, Tangy, and Ultra Creamy Without the Weight

Creamy Pasta Salad with Sour Cream Dressing is the lighter, tangier cousin of mayo-heavy classics. It uses sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to bring creaminess with a bright edge, making it perfect for warm weather meals, cookouts, or balanced lunch bowls.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 12 oz short pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
• ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup cucumber, chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar, feta, or cubed mozzarella
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sour Cream Dressing

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or use all sour cream for lighter flavor)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled. Shake off excess moisture.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, veggies, herbs, and cheese (if using). Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving. Stir again and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a fresh herb sprinkle or squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped bacon or ham
• Cooked peas, corn, or chickpeas
• Sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes
• A handful of arugula or baby spinach

Serving Ideas

• Serve as a light lunch or side for grilled chicken, salmon, or burgers
• Makes an easy meal prep bowl with extra protein
• Great for potlucks, picnics, or weekday dinners
• Pair with crisp white wine or lemonade

Pro Tips

• Use full-fat sour cream for best texture and richness
• Let it chill to develop flavor — and add a little extra dressing before serving if needed
• Cut veggies small and even for fork-friendly bites
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for make-ahead meals

Final Thoughts

Creamy Pasta Salad with Sour Cream Dressing is cool, tangy, and just the right kind of creamy. It’s balanced, flexible, and a fresh twist on the classic — with enough richness to satisfy and enough brightness to keep it light.

Spoon the sour cream. Toss it cold. Serve it fresh. 🍜❄️🌿