Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

This Creamy Pasta Salad is the joyful, crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave for picnics, potlucks, or just because. Tender bowtie pasta, crisp veggies, smoky ham, and a luxuriously tangy ranch dressing come together in a salad that’s as colorful as it is comforting. Each bite is creamy, balanced, and studded with crunchy, cheesy goodness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Pasta Salad brings something special to the bowl—whether it’s texture, zest, or a pop of color. You don’t need anything fancy, but together, these basics create a side that really shines!

• Mayonnaise: The backbone of the creamy dressing, giving the salad its signature richness and tang.
• Whole Milk: Lightens up the mayo for a silkier texture and helps the dressing coat every bit of pasta.
• White Vinegar: Brightens up the flavors and balances out the richness with a touch of gentle acidity.
• Ranch Seasoning: The secret ingredient! It adds loads of bold, herby flavor without fuss.
• Granulated Sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the dressing, taming any sharpness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite and bringing all the flavors together.
• Bowtie Pasta: Cute, sturdy, and perfect for catching pockets of that luscious dressing.
• Smoked Uncured Ham Steak: Infuses the salad with a subtle smokiness and meaty texture.
• Cheddar-Monterey Jack Cheese Block: Makes the salad extra cheesy and adds a mild creaminess.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and keeps things light and bright—just be sure to remove the seeds!
• Red Onion: Gives a mild bite and beautiful color contrast throughout the salad.
• Grape Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful, they pop against the savory elements in every forkful.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Creamy Pasta Salad is how easy it is to switch things up! There are infinite ways to adapt the recipe based on your favorite veggies, pantry finds, or dietary preferences.

• Turkey Instead of Ham: Swap in diced turkey or even grilled chicken for a lighter, leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Friendly: Skip the ham completely and toss in some extra cheese cubes or chickpeas for satisfying, meatless flair.
• Add Some Heat: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Rotini, shells, or penne all work just as well—just pick your favorite!

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by whisking the mayonnaise, whole milk, white vinegar, ranch seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl. You’ll immediately notice the dressing turning smooth and slightly thick—this is where that crave-worthy Creamy Pasta Salad magic begins! Set aside half a cup of this dressing in another bowl (we’ll use it later to keep the salad extra lush after chilling).

Step 2: Cook & Cool the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bowtie pasta until it’s just barely tender (al dente). Drain well and let the pasta cool for about 10 minutes in a large mixing bowl—this helps prevent it from soaking up too much dressing and keeps every bowtie beautifully plump.

Step 3: Toss Pasta with Dressing

Once your pasta has cooled down enough, pour in the remaining 1 cup of dressing and gently toss to coat every piece. You’ll see the bowties instantly transform into creamy, glossy perfection!

Step 4: Add Veggies, Ham, and Cheese

Fold in your diced ham, cheese, cucumber, red onion, and grape tomatoes. Mix until the goodies are evenly distributed—the pops of color and chunky bits make this Creamy Pasta Salad feel festive and substantial.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Spoon the salad into a large serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Chilling is key for the flavors to meld and the salad to taste extra refreshing. Right before serving, drizzle the reserved dressing over the top and toss for ultimate creaminess!

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Top your Creamy Pasta Salad with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper, or bright green chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is a natural partner for grilled chicken, hot dogs, barbecue ribs, or rotisserie chicken. It also shines next to crispy potato chips or a simple leafy green salad at any casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad mounded in lettuce cups, scoop it into individual mason jars for picnics, or pile it high on a platter and top with extra ham and cheese cubes for visual drama.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and the texture stays creamy—just give it a good toss before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies will lose their satisfying crunch. It’s absolutely best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

No need to reheat—this Creamy Pasta Salad is meant to be served chilled or at a cool room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge and feels a bit stiff, let it sit for 10 minutes and stir in a splash of milk or extra dressing to refresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pasta Salad has a way of disappearing fast at every gathering—trust me, you’ll want a second scoop! Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious homemade pasta salad can be. I know you’ll love adding your own creative twists, too—happy mixing!

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