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Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad – The Perfect Make-Ahead Side for BBQs, Picnics & Potlucks

Creamy, colorful, and loaded with flavor — this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is everything you want in a chilled side dish. It's tangy, rich, and fresh with a satisfying crunch from veggies and a smooth, luscious dressing that clings perfectly to every little piece of pasta. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or just meal prepping for the week, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing classic with a slight twist. Unlike heavier pasta salads, this version blends mayonnaise and sour cream for a balanced, creamy texture. The dijon mustard and white wine vinegar add brightness and a touch of tang, while celery, red bell pepper, and green onions bring crunch and freshness. Ditalini — those short, tubular pasta bits — are perfect for soaking up the dressing in every bite. This is the salad that keeps guests coming back for seconds and is even better the next day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥗 Pasta Salad
  • 2 cups Ditalini pasta cooked and cooled
  • ½ cup celery finely chopped
  • ¼ cup green onions thinly sliced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ tsp parsley dried
🧄 Seasonings
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
🧀 Dairy & Creaminess
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
🥄 Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
✅ Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo for a lighter version!

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Small whisk for dressing
  • 🍴 No fancy equipment needed — just a knife, bowl, and spoon!

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes.
  3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  4. Set aside to cool completely.
🍝 Cold pasta holds dressing better and prevents soggy texture.
    Step 2: Prep the Veggies
    1. Dice celery, red bell pepper, and slice the green onions.
    2. Chop fresh parsley.
    3. Shred cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
    Step 3: Mix the Dressing
    1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
    2. 1 cup mayonnaise
    3. ½ cup sour cream
    4. 1 tbsp dijon mustard
    5. 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
    6. ½ tsp garlic powder
    7. ½ tsp onion powder
    8. ¼ tsp salt
    9. ¼ tsp black pepper
    🥄 The sour cream lightens the mayo and the vinegar brightens the whole mix.
      Step 4: Combine It All
      1. Add cooled pasta to the bowl of dressing.
      2. Add celery, bell pepper, green onions, cheddar, and both types of parsley.
      3. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
      Step 5: Chill & Serve
      1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving — longer is better for flavor melding.
      2. Garnish with extra green onions or parsley before serving.

      Notes

      🧊 Storage & Reheating
      Refrigerator
      Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
      Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
      Freezer
      Not recommended — mayo and dairy break down when frozen.
      ❄️ This salad gets better after 12–24 hours in the fridge!
      🥄 Variations
      🥓 Bacon Ditalini Salad – Add crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, salty crunch.
      🥒 Dill Pickle Twist – Add diced pickles and a splash of pickle juice.
      🌽 Tex-Mex Style – Toss in black beans, corn, and lime juice for a fresh spin.
      🧄 Garlic Parm Version – Swap cheddar for parmesan and up the garlic powder.
      🌶️ Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
      ❓ 10 FAQs
      1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
      Yes! Elbow macaroni, shells, or small rotini work well too.
      2. What does ditalini pasta look like?
      Ditalini are small, short tubes — perfect for catching sauce and dressing.
      3. Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
      Yes! Just ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly if needed.
      4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
      Absolutely. It adds tang and lightens the dish.
      5. What’s the best way to make it ahead?
      Make a day in advance and refrigerate — stir before serving.
      6. Can I make it without mayo?
      You can use all sour cream or try plain Greek yogurt for a lighter base.
      7. What if my dressing is too thick?
      Add a splash of milk or vinegar to thin it out slightly.
      8. Can I serve it warm?
      It’s meant to be chilled, but serving slightly warm is fine — the flavor will shift.
      9. What should I serve it with?
      Grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, or BBQ ribs are all perfect pairings.
      10. Is it gluten-free?
      Use gluten-free pasta and check all labels to make it GF.
      🏁 Conclusion
      This Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is your answer to every potluck, picnic, or lazy-day lunch. It's got crunch, creaminess, bright herb flavor, and that perfect tangy-sweet dressing that makes every bite pop. It’s quick to assemble, stays delicious for days, and never fails to impress.
      Whether you’re bringing it to the BBQ or batch-prepping weekday sides, this little bowl of goodness will become a household staple.