Classic Southern Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Italian Dressing Guide
A creamy, tangy Southern pasta salad with rotini, crisp veggies, sharp cheddar, and a homemade creamy Italian dressing. Perfect for gatherings and quick weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- ½ small red onion, minced
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100 g)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain well.
- While pasta cools, chop celery, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Shred sharp cheddar cheese. If using, chop hard-boiled eggs and halve cherry tomatoes. Set all aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Add dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add drained pasta to the bowl with veggies and cheese. Pour dressing over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly until every bite is coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and salad chill.
- Before serving, gently toss the salad again. If it looks dry, stir in a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of mayo.
Notes
Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Dry veggies well to avoid watery salad. Let dressing sit 10-15 minutes before mixing for best flavor. Chill salad at least 1 hour for flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning after tossing. For vegan version, use vegan mayo, dairy-free cheese, and egg-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (240 g)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Southern pasta salad, creamy Italian dressing, rotini pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe