“Creamy Southern Pasta Salad”

Summer is the season I get to thinking about family cookouts and how deep my parents and grandparents Southern roots go. I’m talking about the influences of Southern cooking on everyday food. The food served at all our family functions were always comfort food in every way, full of flavor and made with love. That said, I’m sharing a perfect Summer salad recipe, my Creamy Southern Pasta Salad. Al dente pasta mixed with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and vinegar-mayonnaise based dressing is a must try with any grilled meat or seafood.

Creamy Southern Pasta Salad

Nothing is like a cool, creamy salad on a hot Summer day and a pasta salad fits the bill. Southern salads made with potatoes and pastas tend to be mixed with mayonnaise to create this salad’s creaminess. Such creations leave you wanting more on a hot Summer day. I promise you will probably want a second helping after one bite. Did I mention this salad tastes even better the next day and welcoming when eaten alone as a light lunch? So, let’s talk how easy this salad is to make.

Creamy Southern Pasta Salad

First of all, instead of traditional elbow macaroni used in most pasta salad, I optioned to use mini farfalle, little bow ties. I found the large bow ties were a bit too big for this salad and decided to use something smaller. As a result, one fabulous salad was to be had.

Cook pasta and rinse with cold water then place in a serving bowl of your choice. Now, add in all vegetables, eggs, and herbs and stir lightly to combine. Using a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for salad dressing and toss with pasta and vegetables, stirring until completely coated.Refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour to overnight. A little crunch and creaminess is a perfect match. Stir again before serving and enjoy.

Creamy Southern Pasta Salad

Enjoy the perfect make ahead pasta salad to serve at any Summertime meal. So refreshing and cool yet oh so satisfying. My husband loves this salad and requests it quite often when I’m grilling. Even better, choose your favorite little pasta and substitute any ingredients to your liking. Stay cool…

Creamy Southern Pasta Salad

1 3/4 cups uncooked elbow or mini farfalle (bow tie) pasta

1 cup Hellman’s or Duke’s mayonnaise

2 T. white vinegar

2 T. granulated sugar

1 T. yellow mustard

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

3 green onions, sliced

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced green or red bell pepper

3 large boiled eggs, chopped

3 T. chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish

Cook pasta according to package instructions, drained, and rinsed with cold water.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, and garlic.

Using a large bowl, combine pasta, green onions, celery, bell pepper, eggs, and parsley. Pour in dressing mixture and mix well.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to one day ahead before serving.