Creamy Elbow Pasta Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette

Ingredients

- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (your choice of apple cider or white vinegar)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove.
- Add 2 cups of elbow pasta to the boiling water.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Vinaigrette
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Whisk the ingredients together until you get a smooth, creamy vinaigrette.

3. Mix the Pasta Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled elbow pasta.
- Pour the creamy vinaigrette over the pasta.
- Gently toss the pasta to ensure it is evenly coated with the dressing.
- If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and color.

4. Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT10M
10 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT10M
10 minutes
- Chilling Time: PT30M
30 minutes

Total Time

- PT50M
50 minutes

Type of Dish

- Lunch

Keywords

- Creamy pasta salad
- Elbow pasta recipe
- Quick lunch idea
- Stove-top cooking
- Homemade vinaigrette
- Fresh herbs
- Easy pasta salad
- Mayo dressing
- Summer side dish
- Kid-friendly lunch

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Exact Total Calories: 800 calories

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