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Light and slightly tangy creamy pasta salad, with just enough dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome summer
pasta salad
.
Perfect on its own for a light meal or as a
side dish
for all the summer potlucks and barbecues. Homemade pasta salad is better than any deli salad you can buy at the store.
A few years ago, while visiting my aunt and uncle, we were fortunate enough to arrive around dinnertime. (My aunt is a fabulous cook, so I tend to time my arrivals that way. You know, accidentally on purpose?)
Speaking of Aunt Judy’s amazing foods, have you tried her
Almond Bars
yet? Put them on your holiday baking list right now.
Her pasta salad was so simple and so delicious, I had to recreate it for my family as soon as I got back home. Thanks once again for the inspiration, Aunt Judy.
Summer Pasta Salad
This salad is filled with broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, black olives, and green onions. I am a big fan of pasta dishes that have a high ratio of vegetables to pasta, so don’t hesitate to add more or switch things up with your favorite vegetables.
Adding extra vegetables to a pasta salad is about more than just making it a little bit healthier. Vegetables add different flavors, textures, and colors to recipes like this one. This salad is about 50/50 pasta and vegetables and I often make it with more vegetables than are actually in the recipe.
Everything gets tossed in a light tangy dressing and the result is a fresh pasta salad that disappears quite literally almost as quickly as I can stir it together.
Recipes like this
Asian Pasta Salad
and this
Summer Couscous Salad
are a couple more that thrill my vegetable-loving heart.
Cooking the broccoli just long enough to brighten the color and soften the crunch gives this salad a little something extra. (So, I highly recommend that you don’t skip that step.)
That said, if you love the crunch of raw broccoli in salads, go ahead and make it however you like best. I’ve fallen in love with broccoli salads recently (FYI, this
Cranberry Broccoli Bacon Salad
is FANTASTIC!), so I get it if that’s your preference.
For this particular salad though, I still like to soften the broccoli a tiny bit, as instructed in the recipe below.
Pasta Salad Dressing
The dressing for this pasta salad is creamy, slightly tangy, a little bit sweet, and provides the perfect light complement to this salad.
As simple as it is, it’s absolutely perfect. A scoop of
mayonnaise
, a splash of vinegar, a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and sugar add up to a terrific pasta salad dressing that everyone enjoys.
If you haven’t tried the salad yet, I hope that you’ll love it every bit as much as we do. Every time I make this
salad
, I stash containers of it in the fridge for my lunches all week.
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
Salad Ingredients
salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
tiny broccoli florets
diced cucumber
finely diced red pepper
sliced black olives
very thinly sliced green onion
Dressing Ingredients
mayonnaise
white wine or plain vinegar
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
sugar
Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
In a large
pot
, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks.
Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a largeÂ
strainer
. Rinse well with cold water.
 Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a largeÂ
mixing bowl
.
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again.
Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.
Pasta Salad Recipes
If you love pasta salad for easy meals all year round, you’ll want to try this
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
and theÂ
Italian Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad
after you’ve finished the last bite of this Creamy Pasta Salad.
Many of you are still going crazy over the
Spinach Pasta Salad
I shared so many years ago. I make that one on repeat all year long.
Crisp bacon and lettuce, tart tomatoes, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and jalapenos combine to create this creamy, slightly spicy
Jalapeno BLT Pasta Salad
.
The
Tangy Italian Pasta Salad
is another popular one. I have this
Greek Pasta Salad
 on my list to try soon too. You just can’t have too many great pasta salads at your fingertips, right?
Salad Ingredients
â–˘
8
ounces
salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
â–˘
1
cup
tiny broccoli florets
â–˘
½
cup
diced cucumber
â–˘
½
cup
finely diced red pepper
â–˘
½
cup
sliced black olives
â–˘
ÂĽ
cup
very thinly sliced green onion
Dressing Ingredients
â–˘
½
cup
mayonnaise
â–˘
2
teaspoons
white wine or plain vinegar
â–˘
½
teaspoon
kosher salt
adjust to taste
â–˘
½
teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
â–˘
½
teaspoon
sugar
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.
Calories:
297
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
31
g
|
Protein:
5
g
|
Fat:
16
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
7
mg
|
Sodium:
496
mg
|
Potassium:
184
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
2
g
|
Vitamin A:
580
IU
|
Vitamin C:
30.5
mg
|
Calcium:
24
mg
|
Iron:
0.8
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
(originally published 6/6/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/22/23} |
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# Creamy Pasta Salad
[](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/author-mary-younkin/)
By [Mary Younkin](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/author-mary-younkin/)Updated Apr 09, 2026
4\.81 from 81 votes
Light and tangy Pasta Salad, with just enough creamy dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome creamy pasta salad.
[Jump to Recipe â–Ľ](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-20543)
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Servings 6 servings
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our [disclosure policy](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/disclosure-and-privacy-policy/).
Light and slightly tangy creamy pasta salad, with just enough dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome summer [pasta salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/?s=pasta+salad).
Perfect on its own for a light meal or as a [side dish](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/category/side-dishes/) for all the summer potlucks and barbecues. Homemade pasta salad is better than any deli salad you can buy at the store.
A few years ago, while visiting my aunt and uncle, we were fortunate enough to arrive around dinnertime. (My aunt is a fabulous cook, so I tend to time my arrivals that way. You know, accidentally on purpose?)
Speaking of Aunt Judy’s amazing foods, have you tried her [Almond Bars](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/almond-bars/) yet? Put them on your holiday baking list right now.
Her pasta salad was so simple and so delicious, I had to recreate it for my family as soon as I got back home. Thanks once again for the inspiration, Aunt Judy.
### Summer Pasta Salad
This salad is filled with broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, black olives, and green onions. I am a big fan of pasta dishes that have a high ratio of vegetables to pasta, so don’t hesitate to add more or switch things up with your favorite vegetables.
Adding extra vegetables to a pasta salad is about more than just making it a little bit healthier. Vegetables add different flavors, textures, and colors to recipes like this one. This salad is about 50/50 pasta and vegetables and I often make it with more vegetables than are actually in the recipe.
Everything gets tossed in a light tangy dressing and the result is a fresh pasta salad that disappears quite literally almost as quickly as I can stir it together.
Recipes like this [Asian Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/asian-pasta-salad-recipe/) and this [Summer Couscous Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/summer-couscous-salad-recipe/) are a couple more that thrill my vegetable-loving heart.
Cooking the broccoli just long enough to brighten the color and soften the crunch gives this salad a little something extra. (So, I highly recommend that you don’t skip that step.)
That said, if you love the crunch of raw broccoli in salads, go ahead and make it however you like best. I’ve fallen in love with broccoli salads recently (FYI, this [Cranberry Broccoli Bacon Salad](https://vegetablerecipes.com/cranberry-broccoli-bacon-salad/) is FANTASTIC!), so I get it if that’s your preference.
For this particular salad though, I still like to soften the broccoli a tiny bit, as instructed in the recipe below.
### Pasta Salad Dressing
The dressing for this pasta salad is creamy, slightly tangy, a little bit sweet, and provides the perfect light complement to this salad.
As simple as it is, it’s absolutely perfect. A scoop of [mayonnaise](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/quick-and-easy-homemade-mayonnaise-wi/), a splash of vinegar, a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and sugar add up to a terrific pasta salad dressing that everyone enjoys.
If you haven’t tried the salad yet, I hope that you’ll love it every bit as much as we do. Every time I make this [salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/how-to-eat-salad-every-day/), I stash containers of it in the fridge for my lunches all week.
## Creamy Pasta Salad
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
**Salad Ingredients**
- salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
- tiny broccoli florets
- diced cucumber
- finely diced red pepper
- sliced black olives
- very thinly sliced green onion
**Dressing Ingredients**
- mayonnaise
- white wine or plain vinegar
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- sugar
## Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
1. In a large [pot](http://amzn.to/2fQ7rH9), cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks.
2. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large [strainer](http://amzn.to/2g7yGfy). Rinse well with cold water.
3. Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large [mixing bowl](http://amzn.to/2g8tmd3).
4. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
5. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
*If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.*
#### Pasta Salad Recipes
If you love pasta salad for easy meals all year round, you’ll want to try this [Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe/) and the [Italian Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/artichoke-tomato-pasta-salad-recipe/) after you’ve finished the last bite of this Creamy Pasta Salad.
Many of you are still going crazy over the [Spinach Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/spinach-pasta-salad-recipe/) I shared so many years ago. I make that one on repeat all year long.
Crisp bacon and lettuce, tart tomatoes, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and jalapenos combine to create this creamy, slightly spicy [Jalapeno BLT Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/jalapeno-blt-pasta-salad/).
The [Tangy Italian Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/italian-pasta-salad-recipe/) is another popular one. I have this [Greek Pasta Salad](http://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/greek-pasta-salad/) on my list to try soon too. You just can’t have too many great pasta salads at your fingertips, right?
[Save](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/)[Saved](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/) [Pin](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbarefeetinthekitchen.com%2Fcreamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fbarefeetinthekitchen.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F03%2Fcreamy-pasta-salad-reshoot-4-1-of-1.jpg&description=Creamy+Summer+Pasta+Salad&is_video=false) [Print](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/wprm_print/creamy-summer-pasta-salad)
4\.81 from 81 votes
## Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
[Mary Younkin](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/author-mary-younkin/)
This is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with an abundance of flavors and textures. We make it on repeat all summer long.
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
### Ingredients 1x 2x 3x
#### Salad Ingredients
- â–˘
8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
- â–˘
1 cup tiny broccoli florets
- â–˘
½ cup diced cucumber
- â–˘
½ cup finely diced red pepper
- â–˘
½ cup sliced black olives
- â–˘
ÂĽ cup very thinly sliced green onion
#### Dressing Ingredients
- â–˘
½ cup mayonnaise
- â–˘
2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
- â–˘
½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- â–˘
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- â–˘
½ teaspoon sugar
### Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
- Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
### Notes
If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.
### Nutrition
Calories: 297 kcal \| Carbohydrates: 31 g \| Protein: 5 g \| Fat: 16 g \| Saturated Fat: 2 g \| Cholesterol: 7 mg \| Sodium: 496 mg \| Potassium: 184 mg \| Fiber: 2 g \| Sugar: 2 g \| Vitamin A: 580 IU \| Vitamin C: 30\.5 mg \| Calcium: 24 mg \| Iron: 0\.8 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
[Did you make this? Leave a comment below\!](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#respond)
*(originally published 6/6/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/22/23}*
## You May Also Like
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### [Harvest House Chop Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/harvest-house-chop-salad/)
[](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/pizza-salad/)
### [Pizza Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/pizza-salad/)
[](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/peach-fruit-salad/)
### [Peach Fruit Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/peach-fruit-salad/)
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## Leave a comment [Cancel reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#respond)
## 235 Comments
1. **Steven Tippets** says:
August 2, 2024 at 12:33 am
This is one of my favorite summer salads. I had about a half a pound of tiny shrimp, cold and washed, and then put in the refrigerator in the salad. It seems to put the topping on the wonderfulness of this salad.
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-161921)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
August 2, 2024 at 6:17 am
I’m thrilled you like it so much, Steven\!
2. **Diane Bailey** says:
February 19, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Was pretty good and I followed the recipe completely. I found it did lack a little flavor.
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-173115)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
February 20, 2025 at 7:40 am
Hopefully you were able to adjust the seasonings to create the flavor you like best.
3. **Shay** says:
June 3, 2025 at 5:28 pm
I found this recipe a few years ago and still make it on the regular. LOVE IT!!!\!
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-180764)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
June 4, 2025 at 4:29 pm
I’m so glad you love it\!
4. **Mama Doobz** says:
July 12, 2025 at 9:12 pm
I had everything I needed to throw this together in little time for a roasted chicken dinner. My family loved it, which I was expecting, so I doubled the batch and we devoured by the end of the evening! Will definitely make it again. Thank you for a near perfect recipe\!
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-182954)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
July 14, 2025 at 10:18 am
I’m thrilled it’s a hit\!
5. **Jazzmin** says:
October 21, 2025 at 10:14 pm
Found this recipe two years ago and I make it monthly, super simple and lovely\!
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-189006)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
October 23, 2025 at 8:10 am
Awe! I’m so glad it’s a favorite.
6. **Nicole Estey** says:
November 7, 2025 at 10:43 am
It’s a lovely salad. I made it for friends. For those who can’t tolerate peppers or olives, I cooked up a pound of shrimp, and once cold, I chopped them up and added them. It was delicious and a big hit!\!
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-189486)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
November 8, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Mmmmm I bet this was awesome with shrimp\!
7. **Amber** says:
January 26, 2026 at 6:41 pm
This is my go to! Delicious on it’s own but after making this dozens of times, I’ve started experimenting. Adding relish, chopped hard boiled eggs, dill, sometimes celery, it’s an amazing base that contributes to personal flair. Love it so much, you won’t be disappointed.
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-192021)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
January 27, 2026 at 9:48 am
I’m so happy to hear that you are loving the salad so much\!
8. **Marcia** says:
April 14, 2026 at 11:02 pm
The BEST pasta salad. I add cherry tomatoes and some grated sharp cheddar cheese. I make with miniature bowtie pasta for eye appeal.
[Reply](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-summer-pasta-salad-recipe/#comment-193729)
1. **Mary Younkin** says:
April 16, 2026 at 9:55 am
I’m thrilled that you love the salad so much\!
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Light and slightly tangy creamy pasta salad, with just enough dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome summer [pasta salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/?s=pasta+salad).
Perfect on its own for a light meal or as a [side dish](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/category/side-dishes/) for all the summer potlucks and barbecues. Homemade pasta salad is better than any deli salad you can buy at the store.
A few years ago, while visiting my aunt and uncle, we were fortunate enough to arrive around dinnertime. (My aunt is a fabulous cook, so I tend to time my arrivals that way. You know, accidentally on purpose?)
Speaking of Aunt Judy’s amazing foods, have you tried her [Almond Bars](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/almond-bars/) yet? Put them on your holiday baking list right now.
Her pasta salad was so simple and so delicious, I had to recreate it for my family as soon as I got back home. Thanks once again for the inspiration, Aunt Judy.
### Summer Pasta Salad
This salad is filled with broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, black olives, and green onions. I am a big fan of pasta dishes that have a high ratio of vegetables to pasta, so don’t hesitate to add more or switch things up with your favorite vegetables.
Adding extra vegetables to a pasta salad is about more than just making it a little bit healthier. Vegetables add different flavors, textures, and colors to recipes like this one. This salad is about 50/50 pasta and vegetables and I often make it with more vegetables than are actually in the recipe.
Everything gets tossed in a light tangy dressing and the result is a fresh pasta salad that disappears quite literally almost as quickly as I can stir it together.
Recipes like this [Asian Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/asian-pasta-salad-recipe/) and this [Summer Couscous Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/summer-couscous-salad-recipe/) are a couple more that thrill my vegetable-loving heart.
Cooking the broccoli just long enough to brighten the color and soften the crunch gives this salad a little something extra. (So, I highly recommend that you don’t skip that step.)
That said, if you love the crunch of raw broccoli in salads, go ahead and make it however you like best. I’ve fallen in love with broccoli salads recently (FYI, this [Cranberry Broccoli Bacon Salad](https://vegetablerecipes.com/cranberry-broccoli-bacon-salad/) is FANTASTIC!), so I get it if that’s your preference.
For this particular salad though, I still like to soften the broccoli a tiny bit, as instructed in the recipe below.
### Pasta Salad Dressing
The dressing for this pasta salad is creamy, slightly tangy, a little bit sweet, and provides the perfect light complement to this salad.
As simple as it is, it’s absolutely perfect. A scoop of [mayonnaise](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/quick-and-easy-homemade-mayonnaise-wi/), a splash of vinegar, a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and sugar add up to a terrific pasta salad dressing that everyone enjoys.
If you haven’t tried the salad yet, I hope that you’ll love it every bit as much as we do. Every time I make this [salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/how-to-eat-salad-every-day/), I stash containers of it in the fridge for my lunches all week.
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
**Salad Ingredients**
- salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
- tiny broccoli florets
- diced cucumber
- finely diced red pepper
- sliced black olives
- very thinly sliced green onion
**Dressing Ingredients**
- mayonnaise
- white wine or plain vinegar
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- sugar
## Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
1. In a large [pot](http://amzn.to/2fQ7rH9), cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks.
2. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large [strainer](http://amzn.to/2g7yGfy). Rinse well with cold water.
3. Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large [mixing bowl](http://amzn.to/2g8tmd3).
4. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
5. Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
*If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.*
#### Pasta Salad Recipes
If you love pasta salad for easy meals all year round, you’ll want to try this [Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe/) and the [Italian Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/artichoke-tomato-pasta-salad-recipe/) after you’ve finished the last bite of this Creamy Pasta Salad.
Many of you are still going crazy over the [Spinach Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/spinach-pasta-salad-recipe/) I shared so many years ago. I make that one on repeat all year long.
Crisp bacon and lettuce, tart tomatoes, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and jalapenos combine to create this creamy, slightly spicy [Jalapeno BLT Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/jalapeno-blt-pasta-salad/).
The [Tangy Italian Pasta Salad](https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/italian-pasta-salad-recipe/) is another popular one. I have this [Greek Pasta Salad](http://dinnersdishesanddesserts.com/greek-pasta-salad/) on my list to try soon too. You just can’t have too many great pasta salads at your fingertips, right?
#### Salad Ingredients
- â–˘
8 ounces salad macaroni or ditalini pasta
- â–˘
1 cup tiny broccoli florets
- â–˘
½ cup diced cucumber
- â–˘
½ cup finely diced red pepper
- â–˘
½ cup sliced black olives
- â–˘
ÂĽ cup very thinly sliced green onion
#### Dressing Ingredients
- â–˘
½ cup mayonnaise
- â–˘
2 teaspoons white wine or plain vinegar
- â–˘
½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- â–˘
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- â–˘
½ teaspoon sugar
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
- Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta’s cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.
Calories: 297 kcal \| Carbohydrates: 31 g \| Protein: 5 g \| Fat: 16 g \| Saturated Fat: 2 g \| Cholesterol: 7 mg \| Sodium: 496 mg \| Potassium: 184 mg \| Fiber: 2 g \| Sugar: 2 g \| Vitamin A: 580 IU \| Vitamin C: 30\.5 mg \| Calcium: 24 mg \| Iron: 0\.8 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
*(originally published 6/6/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/22/23}*
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