...
Go Back
Close-up of creamy Italian pasta salad on wood.

The Best Creamy Italian Pasta Salad – A Classic Summer Side Dish

This creamy Italian pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering. It's packed with flavor and easy to make!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or your favorite shape
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped beef pepperoni
  • 1 cup chopped provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper any color

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta, drain, and rinse with cold water. Cool.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, milk, Parmesan cheese, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add pasta, pepperoni, provolone, red onion, olives, and bell pepper to the dressing.
  4. Toss to combine well.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  6. Toss again and add more milk if needed before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and low-fat cheese.