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Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley and freshly grated Parmesan in a ceramic serving bowl.

Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad

Tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and red onion tossed in a homemade creamy garlic Parmesan dressing. An easy chilled pasta salad for potlucks, cookouts, meal prep, and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces rotini or other short pasta
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan divided
  • Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 garlic cloves finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt plus more to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until just tender.
  3. Drain and briefly rinse under cool water.
  4. Drain thoroughly and allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  5. Prepare tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
  6. Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, ½ cup Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and salt together.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Place cooled pasta in a large bowl.
  9. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and parsley.
  10. Add approximately three-quarters of the dressing.
  11. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  12. Fold in remaining ¼ cup Parmesan.
  13. Add additional dressing until desired creaminess is reached.
  14. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes.
  15. Stir before serving and add reserved dressing if necessary.
  16. Finish with additional Parmesan, parsley, salt, or pepper to taste.

Notes

Rotini is especially good because the spirals hold the creamy dressing.
Avoid overcooking the pasta.
Drain the pasta thoroughly after rinsing to prevent watery dressing.
Reserve a small portion of dressing when making the salad several hours ahead.
Store refrigerated for approximately 3–4 days.
Freezing is not recommended.