Description
This Creamy Smoked Beef Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with smoky beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful creamy dressing. Perfect as a summer side dish or a hearty lunch, this salad is easy to prepare and deliciously refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 3 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups smoked beef, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool the pasta completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing bowl along with diced smoked beef, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and gently mix to incorporate. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider mixing in diced celery or bell peppers.
- This pasta salad can be prepared several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- If the dressing thickens after refrigeration, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the consistency.
