Easy Creamy Leftover Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Quick Healthy Meals
A quick and easy creamy pasta salad made from leftovers, featuring a tangy homemade dressing and fresh veggies. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 to 1½ cups chopped veggies (cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill), chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional add-ins: diced cooked chicken, ham, tuna, or chickpeas
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: If using leftover pasta, ensure it is cold or at room temperature. If freshly cooking, boil 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chop the veggies and herbs: Dice 1 to 1½ cups of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley or basil.
- Toss the pasta salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta. Add the chopped veggies and herbs. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add optional proteins: Fold in diced cooked chicken, ham, tuna, or rinsed chickpeas if desired for extra protein.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and the salad chill.
- Final touches: Before serving, stir the salad again. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
If the salad feels dry after chilling, stir in a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Resting the salad for at least 20 minutes improves flavor and texture. Use leftover pasta for best texture or rinse freshly cooked pasta under cold water to cool. Customize with your favorite veggies, proteins, or nuts for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: pasta salad, leftover recipe, creamy pasta salad, quick meal, healthy pasta salad, easy dinner, leftover rescue