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The Story & Intro
There’s something about creamy pasta salads that takes me back to church potlucks and sunny BBQs with my family. It was always the first bowl to go—especially if it had bacon. My aunt’s version used rotini, but I’ve fallen in love with rigatoni for its hearty bite and how well it holds the dressing.
This Creamy Pasta Salad is everything you want in a side: rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy. It combines pasta with crispy bacon, crunchy veggies, and a dreamy, tangy mayo-based dressing. Whether you’re craving something like Greek Pasta Salad from Natasha’s Kitchen or a Bacon Pasta twist, this hits all the right notes.
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Creamy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy pasta salad made with rigatoni, crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks and cookouts.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, bacon, onion, celery, and tomatoes.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Add olives or feta for a Mediterranean touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta Salad, Bacon Pasta, Rigatoni, Best Salad Recipes, Salad Pasta
Perfect Ingredients for Creamy Pasta Salad
Best Pasta Shapes for the Creamy Texture
Rigatoni is a star here—its wide tubes trap the dressing and ingredients like a charm. You can also use rotini, penne, or elbows if preferred.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz rigatoni (or other short pasta)
- 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make the Best Creamy Pasta Salad
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayo, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped bacon, onion, celery, and tomatoes.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This salad holds up well when chilled and even tastes better after a few hours. You can prep it a day in advance.
Creamy Pasta Salad Variations to Try
Add a Greek Twist
Add crumbled feta, black olives, cucumber, and oregano to channel a Greek Pasta Salad vibe—like Natasha’s Kitchen-style.
Protein Upgrades
Swap bacon for shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or cubed ham for a full-meal salad.
What to Serve With Creamy Pasta Salad
Best Pairings
Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, or veggie skewers. Also great next to picnic sandwiches or roast chicken.
Leftover Ideas
Toss leftovers with a bit of extra dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice the next day to revive flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta besides rigatoni?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or even macaroni work well in creamy pasta salads.
How long will it keep?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir before serving if dressing separates.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayo and skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.