Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables – The Bowl That Feels Like Summer at Home

Name: Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450 g rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped; ½ cup black olives, sliced; ½ cup red onion, finely chopped; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

INAYA 39 minutes ago

0 0 4 minutes read

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables – The Bowl That Feels Like Summer at Home

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.

When I first made Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables, my kitchen was full of sunshine, even though it was early spring. I remember my grandmother standing by the window, cutting vegetables slowly, telling me that salads are not just side dishes they are stories in a bowl. This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables reminds me of those moments, when food felt light but still comforting, simple but deeply satisfying.

I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is. Every time I prepare Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables, I feel that same joy the joy of chopping, stirring, tasting, and sharing. Whether you serve it at a family table or bring it to a gathering, Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables always feels like home.

Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories, and this salad carries many of mine.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love this recipe because it never asks too much from me. Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables comes together gently, without stress. I can prepare it while talking to my daughter, answering messages, or simply enjoying music in the background.

The creaminess feels indulgent, but the vegetables keep everything fresh and lively. I love how flexible it is. Some days I add more peppers, other days more olives. It always forgives me. This salad also travels well, which makes it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or busy weekdays.

Most of all, I love how people always ask for the recipe. That quiet moment when someone takes a bite and smiles that is why I cook.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I always say that ingredients matter, but love matters more. Still, choosing good vegetables makes this Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables shine.

I use short pasta because it holds the creamy dressing beautifully. Rotini or fusilli are my favorites. I choose vegetables with different colors and textures so every bite feels exciting.

My little secret is balance. Creamy does not mean heavy. I mix mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to keep things light and fresh. A splash of vinegar wakes everything up, and Italian seasoning brings that familiar, comforting aroma.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start by boiling the pasta in generously salted water. I cook it until just tender, never too soft. I drain it and let it cool completely because warm pasta drinks too much dressing.

While the pasta cools, I chop all my vegetables. I take my time here. I like even pieces so everything feels harmonious in the bowl.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I taste and adjust slowly.

Once the pasta is cool, I combine it with the vegetables and gently fold in the dressing. I stir softly, making sure everything gets coated without breaking the pasta.

I always cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens.

How I Serve It at Home

At home, I serve Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables in a large ceramic bowl my grandmother gave me. I sprinkle extra herbs on top and sometimes add shaved parmesan.

I serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even on its own with warm bread. In summer, it becomes dinner more often than I admit.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

This salad loves the fridge. I store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, I stir in a spoon of yogurt or olive oil to refresh the creaminess.

I never reheat it. This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

If I make it ahead, I sometimes keep the dressing separate and mix it in a few hours before serving.

100-Word Short Version

This Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables is light, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Short pasta mixes with colorful vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing that feels indulgent but fresh. It’s easy to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and even better after resting in the fridge. Serve it at gatherings, picnics, or as a simple family meal. Every bite feels balanced, flavorful, and full of love.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

450 g rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente and cool completely.
Chop all vegetables evenly.
Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
Combine pasta, vegetables, and dressing gently.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

📝 Notes
Add parmesan, grilled chicken, or fresh basil for variation.

🍽️ Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
Calories 420, Protein 10g, Fat 22g, Carbs 45g

Conclusion

Every time I make Creamy Italian Pasta Salad with Vegetables, I feel calm and connected. This dish reminds me that food does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. It just needs care, balance, and a little patience. I hope this salad finds a place at your table and becomes part of your memories too.