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 afternoon, I was rummaging through my fridge, craving something quick yet indulgent, and that’s when this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad came to life. The first time I made it, my family gathered around the kitchen counter, forks in hand, sneaking bites even before I finished tossing everything together. The flavors of garlic and Parmesan, wrapped in a creamy dressing, immediately brought everyone closer laughing, sharing stories, and asking for seconds. That day, I realized that a simple pasta salad could hold so much love.
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad has become a staple in our home. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, picnic lunches, or even potlucks with friends. The key is to keep it simple, let each ingredient shine, and cook with a little extra love in every stir.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a creamy pasta salad. It’s not just about the taste it’s about the feeling it gives me and the people I cook for. Garlic adds warmth, Parmesan gives it that rich, cheesy hug, and the creamy dressing ties it all together. Every time I mix it, I feel like I’m crafting a small act of love, something that turns an ordinary meal into a shared memory. Plus, it’s versatile add veggies, chicken, or even bacon if you’re feeling indulgent.
The best part? It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests. Whenever I make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad, I know it will bring smiles to the table. And that’s exactly why I keep coming back to it.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I use to make my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad extra special:
- 300g fusilli or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Little secrets:
- Toast the garlic lightly in olive oil before mixing it in the flavor becomes nutty and aromatic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer taste than pre-grated.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving; it lets the flavors meld beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat and lightly sauté the minced garlic until golden and fragrant. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the dressing and whisk to combine.
- Toss the cooled pasta with the creamy dressing until every piece is coated evenly.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley gently to keep the salad fresh and colorful.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
How I Serve It at Home
At home, I serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad in a big, welcoming bowl on the dining table. I like to garnish it with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Sometimes, I pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, but honestly, it’s perfect on its own. The creamy texture and bright, fresh veggies make it irresistible, and it always disappears fast!
I’ve also discovered that it works beautifully for gatherings. I pack it in a pretty glass bowl for picnics or potlucks, and people can’t stop commenting on the rich, garlicky flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels both homey and a little indulgent—a true crowd-pleaser.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold; do not microwave.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Toss with pasta and veggies when ready to serve.
- Extra tip: If the salad becomes too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of milk or a little extra lemon juice to loosen it up.
100-Word Short Version
My Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad is a quick, comforting dish that brings warmth to the table. I boil pasta, then toss it in a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, Dijon, and a touch of lemon. Lightly sautéed garlic adds a fragrant kick, while cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley bring freshness. Chill it before serving to let flavors meld. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks, this salad is simple yet indulgent, easy to make, and full of love. Every bite feels like a hug in a bowl.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients: <ul> <li>300g fusilli or pasta of choice</li> <li>1 cup mayonnaise</li> <li>1/2 cup sour cream</li> <li>1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan</li> <li>3 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 teaspoon Dijon mustard</li> <li>1 teaspoon lemon juice</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)</li> <li>1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved</li> <li>1/2 cup diced cucumber</li> <li>1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions: <ol> <li>Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.</li> <li>Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.</li> <li>Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden; let cool.</li> <li>Add garlic and optional red pepper flakes to dressing; whisk to combine.</li> <li>Toss pasta with dressing evenly.</li> <li>Fold in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley gently.</li> <li>Chill for 30 minutes before serving.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes:
- Toast garlic for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best results.
- Make dressing ahead for faster prep.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
🍽️ Nutrition:
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25g 🧈
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Unsaturated fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g 🍝
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g 🧀
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil, Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad is a quick, comforting dish perfect for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks. Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, it’s full of flavor and love.
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli or pasta of choice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden; let cool.
- Add garlic and optional red pepper flakes to dressing; whisk to combine.
- Toss pasta with dressing evenly.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley gently.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Toast garlic for deeper flavor. Use fresh Parmesan for best results. Make dressing ahead for faster prep. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad, I feel like I’m creating more than just a meal. I’m crafting memories, sharing laughter, and passing on a little bit of joy in every bite. It’s easy, comforting, and always a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a picnic with friends, this pasta salad brings people together, and that’s the real magic of cooking.