Cold Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo
Cold creamy pasta salad with penne, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and hard boiled eggs is savory, sweet, crunchy, and totally delicious. Feed a crowd with this easy make-ahead recipe for cookouts, backyard bbq’s, picnics and potluck parties.
One of my favorite summer side dishes is creamy pasta salad. This one ticks all the boxes as it’s got texture, flavor, and you can make it ahead for easy entertaining.
This traditional pasta salad is coated in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Diced vegetables, sweet relish, and eggs make it a southern classic.
Take it to a potluck party or pair it with bbq-brushed plank grilled salmon, beef and vegetable grilled kabobs, juicy burgers, or a hot dog bar.
Why You’ll Love It
- We think it’s the BEST pasta salad! It’s an easy tried and true recipe that’s been passed down and around to friends and family for years. There’s a perfect balance of flavors that you’re going to love.
- You can make it ahead. As with most salads of this nature, it tastes better if it’s allowed to sit for several hours or overnight.
- Fresh ingredients like diced vegetables make the flavor come alive. Shredded cabbage is an unexpected touch that adds crunch.
Ingredient Notes
- Box of pasta. Small shapes are best. Elbow macaroni, penne, or rigatoni are good choices; use whole wheat for a nutritional boost.
- Eggs. Hard boiled eggs add flavor and a protein boost. Prepare them 2 or 3 days ahead so they’re ready to use, or purchase them.
- Onion. Help take the bite out of raw onion by letting the cut pieces soak in warm water for about 15 minutes. Then drain and use.
- Cabbage. Use a bag of pre-shredded slaw mix to save time.
- Celery. Cut off the leafy ends and use some to garnish the top of the salad.
Quick Tip
Save time and effort by purchasing hard boiled eggs that are already peeled and ready to use. Find them in the refrigerator section of the grocery store.
Tips For Success
- Cook the pasta according to box directions, and add a generous amount of salt to the water, about 1 tablespoon.
- Drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove the starchy layer. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s not sticking together.
- Mix the dressing ingredients separately using a whisk, and pour half to 2/3 of it over slightly warm pasta and the other salad ingredients; mix and then add more dressing. Adding the dressing to slightly warm pasta ensures that the noodles absorb the flavor. The second coating ensures the creamy texture.
- Cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible so the flavors have time to marry together.
- Because it has perishable ingredients, this salad needs to be kept chilled, however it can sit at room temperature for about 2 hours; then it should be covered and refrigerated up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This is a fantastic dish to serve at backyard bbq’s, bridal showers, spring ladies’ luncheons, picnics and tailgating, and baby showers.
To complete a meal add baked beans, grilled corn on the cob, and watermelon salad.
FAQ’s
I recommend making this pasta salad at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. And making it the night before gives it even more time for the flavors to fully combine and develop. You can also make it in the morning and let it sit in the refrigerator for 8 hours or so.
When pasta is used for cold salads you should rinse it under cold water to help stop the cooking process, and to rinse off the starch. It also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Want more recipes to round out your menu? This easy pesto pasta salad has rotini, beans, and veggies, with a completely different flavor profile.
If you love Asian-inspired flavors, this pasta salad with broccoli and peanuts is a great option and has no dairy. This Asian-style peanut noodle salad is another crowd pleaser we’ve served for years. And, Thai noodles with shrimp can act as a main course or side dish.
I just know you’re going to love this cold creamy pasta salad for your next gathering or summer party ideas. It’s a great southern classic recipe!
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Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe with Penne
Classic southern pasta salad with creamy dressing, pickle relish, and hard boiled eggs. Add loads of texture and flavor to your table with this side dish recipe.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of pasta – elbow macaroni works well, as does petite penne, or rigatoni
- 5 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- ½ medium onion, diced
- ½ green pepper, diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ⅓ cup sweet pickle relish
- black pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ Tablespoon yellow mustard
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente (according to directions on box); drain and rinse under cold water.
- Add pasta and all salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together dressing ingredients and pour about half or ⅔ over slightly warm pasta salad. Combine well and then add the remaining dressing.
- Cover and place in refrigerator to let chill for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
I <3 pasta salad in the worst way and for some reason, it's my most craved summer food (besides ice cream). That looks super delicious and refreshing.