Name: Creamy Pasta Salad for Spring Picnics
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 300g fusilli pasta; 150g cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 100g sweet corn; 100g cooked ham or turkey, diced (optional); 150g cream cheese, softened; 100g mayonnaise; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp honey; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh herbs: parsley or chives, finely chopped

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Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

One of my fondest spring memories is packing a picnic with my family and heading to the park with a blanket, baskets brimming with treats, and a big bowl of creamy pasta salad. That recipe has always been a crowd-pleaser. Even now, whenever I make my creamy pasta salad for spring picnics, I’m transported back to those sunny afternoons, the laughter of kids chasing butterflies, and my husband helping me arrange napkins while tasting the dressing. It’s simple, comforting, and full of love the perfect dish to bring people together.

This salad isn’t just food; it’s a little packet of joy that makes any picnic feel extra special. I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it creamy yet fresh, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavours that everyone, young and old, adores. If you’re looking for a recipe that screams “spring, sunshine, and family time,” this creamy pasta salad for spring picnics is exactly what you need.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

What I love most about this salad is its versatility. I can prep it in advance, customize the veggies based on what’s in season, and the creamy dressing always feels indulgent without being heavy. Every time I bring it out at a picnic, friends ask for the recipe, and I get that warm, fuzzy feeling knowing I’m sharing a little piece of my kitchen love with them.

The best part? It’s a recipe that doesn’t stress me out. It’s forgiving, forgiving in a way that encourages creativity. You can add crunchy bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, or even some leftover roasted chicken. I feel like the salad becomes a reflection of the day itself bright, cheerful, and full of surprises.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what you’ll need for this heartwarming creamy pasta salad for spring picnics:

300g fusilli pasta
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
100g sweet corn (canned or cooked)
100g cooked ham or turkey, diced (optional)
150g cream cheese, softened
100g mayonnaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs: parsley or chives, finely chopped

Little kitchen secrets:

Cook your pasta slightly al dente it holds up better when chilled.
For extra creaminess, leave your cream cheese at room temperature before mixing.
I love a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar in the dressing; it brightens the flavors without making it tangy.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
While the pasta cools, prep your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the bell pepper. If using ham or turkey, dice into small cubes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This is my favourite part I like to taste it and adjust seasoning until it feels just right.
Combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, and protein (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the creamy dressing and fold gently to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle the chopped herbs on top and gently fold again.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

How I Serve It at Home

I love packing this salad in a pretty glass bowl for spring picnics. On a sunny afternoon, I lay out a soft blanket, place the bowl in the center, and surround it with other treats like crusty bread, fresh fruit, and chilled lemonade. I usually garnish with a few extra herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color presentation matters, even in casual picnics!

If we’re eating at home, I serve it in smaller bowls and add a few lemon wedges for those who love a fresh zing. It’s comforting, light, and perfect alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

This creamy pasta salad for spring picnics is best served chilled, so I always keep it in the fridge until it’s picnic time.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before. The flavors intensify beautifully after a night in the fridge.
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I don’t recommend reheating, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, leave it at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Tips: Add delicate herbs like parsley or chives right before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

100-Word Short Version

My creamy pasta salad for spring picnics is a fresh, comforting dish perfect for sunny afternoons. I cook fusilli pasta al dente, then toss it with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, sweet corn, and optional diced ham. The creamy dressing cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey binds everything together beautifully. I fold in fresh parsley or chives for brightness and chill the salad to meld the flavors. Ideal for picnics or family meals, this salad is easy, versatile, and full of love. A true crowd-pleaser for spring!

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Chill: 30 min
Total: 55 min

🛒 Ingredients

300g fusilli pasta
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
100g sweet corn
100g cooked ham or turkey, diced (optional)
150g cream cheese, softened
100g mayonnaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs: parsley or chives, finely chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water.
Prepare vegetables and optional protein.
Whisk cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Combine pasta, vegetables, and protein. Fold in dressing.
Sprinkle herbs, fold gently, chill 30 min.
Serve chilled, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

📝 Notes

Make ahead: night before or few hours in advance.
Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Add herbs last for freshness.
Ideal for picnics and family meals.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings)
Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 320mg
Cholesterol: 35mg

Conclusion

Making my creamy pasta salad for spring picnics always fills me with warmth. It’s simple yet comforting, a dish that brings people together and sparks laughter on sunny days. Whether you’re packing it for a family picnic, serving it at home, or sharing it with friends, this recipe embodies love, joy, and the small pleasures of life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it becomes a springtime favourite in your home too.