If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, this Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful mix of tender pasta swirled in a smooth, tangy dressing, with the added richness of perfectly chopped hard-boiled eggs. Every bite bursts with fresh veggies like cucumber and tomato, balancing creaminess and a crisp pop of color. This salad works beautifully as a quick lunch, a satisfying side, or even a light dinner when the weather’s warm and you want something simple yet incredibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the modest list fool you—each ingredient in this Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe plays a key role. Everything is straightforward and easy to find, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that make the final dish sing.
- 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta: These spiral-shaped pastas hold the dressing beautifully, ensuring every forkful is flavorful.
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Adding protein and creamy texture, they make this salad truly satisfying.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Brings a refreshing crunch and subtle coolness to the mix.
- 1 tomato, diced: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color, brightening up the salad.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that ties all ingredients together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightness, preventing the salad from feeling too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Delivers a mild kick and depth to the dressing’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity that freshens things up wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth and savory undertone.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or fusilli pasta and cook it just until al dente—the texture should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step helps the pasta stay firm and prevents it from sticking together in your salad bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is the heart of the salad, balancing richness and tang perfectly. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed, because a flavorful dressing makes all the difference.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large bowl and combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, diced tomato, and the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until every bit is coated comfortably. Taking your time here is key—you want every bite to have that luscious creamy coating with fresh bits of veggies and eggs interspersed throughout.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this salad immediately if you’re in a hurry, but letting it chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the creaminess to deepen. It’s like the salad gets even better once those ingredients have a chance to get to know each other.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives on top to add a fresh green kick and an aromatic touch. You can also add a few slices of avocado or a generous grind of black pepper to elevate the presentation and flavor impact.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even crusty bread. Its creamy, zesty nature provides a perfect contrast to smoky, savory mains, making your meal feel complete without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers to impress guests at your next picnic or potluck. Or layer it in individual mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch option. No matter how you present it, the Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe always looks inviting and tastes like sunshine on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh veggies and dressing, try to enjoy it sooner rather than later to maintain the crunch and fresh flavors.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients can separate or become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated instead.
Reheating
If you prefer your pasta salad chilled, simply serve it straight from the fridge. Reheating isn’t necessary or recommended since the cold salad is where it really shines.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or fusilli helps hold the dressing well, you can use penne, bowtie, or any short pasta you love. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?
Mayonnaise alone works fine, though adding yogurt or sour cream adds a delightful tang and lightness. If desired, you can substitute with a small amount of buttermilk or leave it out for a richer salad.
Can I make this salad vegan or egg-free?
To keep it vegan or egg-free, use a plant-based mayo and omit the hard-boiled eggs. You might also add extra veggies or chickpeas for protein and texture in their place.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last in the salad?
When kept refrigerated within the salad, the hard-boiled eggs remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just keep it chilled and toss gently before serving to refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe truly feels like a little bowl of happiness. It’s simple to make, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re feeding yourself or a group, grabbing a forkful of this salad is sure to bring a smile to your face. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new go-to salad for easy, satisfying meals.
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Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Pasta Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or a potluck side. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with a tangy and creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, it’s complemented by crisp cucumber, juicy tomato, and protein-packed hard-boiled eggs. Easy to prepare and served chilled, this salad balances creamy texture with fresh vegetables and is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, diced tomato, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate it for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a tastier dish. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds protein and reduces the fat compared to using only mayonnaise.
- To hard-boil eggs perfectly, place them in cold water and bring to a boil, then simmer for 9-12 minutes before cooling in an ice bath.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo if desired to make it dairy-free.
