Thanksgiving Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
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.