The Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe is simple, fresh and full of flavor. It’s a colorful side dish for your holiday meal.
This salad has soft pasta, tasty veggies, cheese and creamy dressing. It goes well with turkey, ham, or any main dish.
The best part is that it’s very easy to make. You don’t need fancy tools or skills. Just follow a few easy steps and enjoy a bowl of yummy pasta salad.
If you want to know how to make Thanksgiving Pasta Salad, this guide will help you. Everyone will love this dish on your Thanksgiving table.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe
You’ll love this Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe because it’s fast and fun to make. It’s light, creamy and full of flavor.
The mix of pasta, veggies and dressing is perfect. You can make it a day before and chill it. It’s great for big family meals and parties.
Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy it. You can also change it to your taste — add more veggies, cheese, or turkey. It’s simple, bright and makes your meal extra special.
Recipe Card Info Without Table
- Recipe Name: Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Side Dish / Thanksgiving
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Ingredients You Need for Thanksgiving Pasta Salad
- 3 cups pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup diced turkey or ham (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
These are simple ingredients for Thanksgiving Pasta Salad. You can find them easily in any store.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Boil the Pasta
Fill a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Boil it, then add pasta. Cook until soft but still firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prepare the Veggies
Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper. Keep them fresh and colorful for a nice look.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Put pasta in a big bowl. Add veggies, cheese, and turkey or ham if you like. Pour the dressing on top.
5. Mix Gently
Stir the salad softly so the pasta doesn’t break. Make sure everything is coated with dressing.
6. Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and makes the salad taste better.
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle parsley on top. Your Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make the Best Thanksgiving Pasta Salad
- Don’t cook pasta too long. Keep it slightly firm.
- Use fresh veggies for bright color and crunch.
- Chill before serving for better taste.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt if you like.
- Add leftover turkey or chicken for more protein.
These tips make your salad extra tasty and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad with roasted turkey, ham or mashed potatoes. It also tastes great with grilled meat or veggies. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.
It looks pretty in a glass bowl with colorful layers. It’s also perfect for parties, potlucks and picnics. This creamy pasta salad will be loved by everyone.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftover salad in a sealed box in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Stir before serving again.
If it looks dry, add a spoon of mayo or lemon juice. Don’t freeze it because the pasta and veggies will change texture. This salad is best served cold.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Health Benefits
This Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe is not only tasty but gives you energy too. The pasta gives carbs for energy, and turkey adds protein.
Veggies bring vitamins and fiber to your plate. You can make it healthier with whole wheat pasta and light mayo.
It’s a balanced dish that helps you enjoy your holiday meal without feeling too heavy. Plus, it makes everyone smile when shared.
Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups pasta rotini or penne
- 1 cup diced turkey or ham optional
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Fill a pot with water and a pinch of salt. Boil it, then add pasta. Cook until soft but still firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare the Veggies
- Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper. Keep them fresh and colorful for a nice look.
Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
- Put pasta in a big bowl. Add veggies, cheese, and turkey or ham if you like. Pour the dressing on top.
Mix Gently
- Stir the salad softly so the pasta doesn’t break. Make sure everything is coated with dressing.
Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and makes the salad taste better.
Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle parsley on top. Your Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t cook pasta too long. Keep it slightly firm.
- Use fresh veggies for bright color and crunch.
- Chill before serving for better taste.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt if you like.
- Add leftover turkey or chicken for more protein.
FAQs about Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe
1. Can I make pasta salad early?
Yes, make it one day before and keep it in the fridge.
2. What pasta should I use?
Rotini or penne works best. They hold the dressing well.
3. Can I make it without meat?
Yes, skip turkey or ham. Add more veggies or beans.
4. How long does it stay fresh?
It stays fresh for three days. Keep it covered and chilled.
5. Can I use another dressing?
Yes, try Italian or ranch dressing for a new flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe is a fun and tasty holiday dish. It’s creamy, colorful, and easy to make.
Now you know how to make Thanksgiving Pasta Salad with simple ingredients for Thanksgiving Pasta Salad. It’s perfect for dinner, parties or lunch the next day.
Try this easy recipe and bring color, freshness and joy to your Thanksgiving table. Everyone will ask for seconds!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!