Creamy Pea and Pasta Salad

Creamy Pea and Pasta Salad

Creamy Pea and Pasta Salad is a delicious, refreshing side dish made with tender pasta shells, sweet green peas, crunchy bell peppers, and a smooth, tangy dressing. This easy deesviral home-style recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, and make-ahead lunches. Every bite is creamy, colorful, and full of comforting flavor.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 pound (454 g) small pasta shells
• 2 cups green peas, thawed if frozen
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Let the pasta drain thoroughly and cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

If using frozen peas, thaw them and drain well. Dice the red bell pepper and celery, and finely chop the red onion if desired.

3. Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta shells, green peas, bell pepper, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Chill the Salad

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad extra refreshing.

6. Serve

Stir gently before serving. If the salad seems too thick after chilling, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream to restore its creamy texture. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Cool the pasta completely: Warm pasta can make the dressing thin and oily.
• Drain well: Excess water from the peas or pasta can dilute the creamy dressing.
• Adjust to taste: Add extra vinegar for tanginess or a little honey for sweetness.
• Make it ahead: Prepare it a few hours in advance for an easy gathering side dish.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep it chilled, and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creamy Pea and Pasta Salad alongside grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue ribs, sandwiches, or roasted meats. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare at home and perfect for sharing.