Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad (Print Page)

A colorful, creamy pasta salad with fresh vegetables and tangy pink dressing. Ideal for parties and outdoor dining.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta & Vegetables

01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup diced red bell pepper
04 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
05 - 1 cup diced cucumber
06 - 1/2 cup chopped celery

→ Pink Cadillac Dressing

07 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tbsp ketchup
10 - 2 tbsp pickle juice or red wine vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, and celery.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, pickle juice (or vinegar), Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and pink in color.
04 - Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Gently stir in chopped parsley and cheddar cheese if using.
06 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Serve cold, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing is that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet that keeps everyone guessing
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it the ultimate make ahead dish
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water until it is completely cool, or the dressing will melt right off
  • The salad needs at least an hour in the fridge, but overnight is when it really becomes something special
03 -
  • Use pickle juice from a jar of bread and butter pickles for an even sweeter, more complex flavor
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, adjusting the acid or salt as needed

Return