This Creamy Garlic Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful side dish made with pasta, crunchy bell peppers, celery, and red onion tossed in a creamy, tangy garlic mayo dressing. Fresh chives, pickle juice, and a touch of seasoning add plenty of flavor without making the salad too heavy. It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cappelletti pasta: A tender, bite-sized pasta that holds onto the creamy dressing.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dressing its signature savory flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the dressing.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps loosen the dressing.
• Pickle juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the creamy mayonnaise.
• Onion powder: Adds extra savory flavor to the dressing.
• Sugar: A small amount helps balance the tanginess.
• Fresh chives: Add a mild onion flavor and fresh finish.
• Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and color.
• Orange bell pepper: Adds more sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Red onion: Adds a little bite and extra flavour.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until tender so it holds its shape and texture in the salad.
• Rinse with cold water: Once cooked, rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. This also removes excess starch, helping the pasta stay from absorbing too much of the dressing.
• Cool the pasta first: Let the pasta cool before adding the dressing so the mayonnaise doesn’t become overly warm or runny.
• Chop the vegetables evenly: Small, uniform pieces make every bite more balanced.
• Taste the dressing: Adjust the salt, pepper, or pickle juice to suit your taste before mixing everything together.
• Let it chill: Refrigerating the salad before serving gives the flavors time to develop.
• Add fresh chives before serving: A little extra chive on top gives the salad a fresh finish.
• Refresh leftovers: If the pasta salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a little more mayo before serving.

Can You Make This Pasta Salad Ahead?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead side dish. In fact, letting the salad chill for a few hours allows the pasta and vegetables to absorb some of the creamy garlic dressing. If making it a day ahead, give it a good stir before serving and taste for seasoning. You may want to add a small splash of pickle juice or olive oil to loosen the dressing.

What to Serve with Creamy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is a natural pairing for BBQ favorites like grilled chicken, burgers, sausages, or steak. It also works beautifully alongside grilled vegetables and other classic summer side dishes. Bring it to a potluck or picnic alongside sandwiches and wraps for an easy meal. The creamy, tangy dressing also makes it a nice contrast to smoky or spicy main dishes.

How to Store Pasta Salad

Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. It’s best enjoyed chilled and should be stirred before serving if it has been sitting for a while. The pasta will continue to absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so you can refresh it with some more mayo, olive oil or pickle juice if needed. Keep the salad refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.