Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad (Print View)

Vibrant creamy pasta with cherry tomatoes and peppers in tangy pink dressing

# 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)

# How-To Steps:

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 Hints:

01 -
  • The dressing is creamy and tangy with just the right kick from smoked paprika and pickle juice
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect party prep
  • The colors are gorgeous, like a retro diner plate come to life
02 -
  • The dressing will look thick but the pasta will absorb some as it chills, so do not be tempted to thin it out
  • Red onion can overpower if you do not slice it thin enough
  • This salad needs that hour in the fridge, otherwise it tastes like separate ingredients instead of a cohesive dish
03 -
  • Rinse your pasta until it is genuinely cold to the touch, not just lukewarm
  • Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, adjust the pickle juice if it needs more tang
  • Use a large bowl, you need room to toss everything without making a mess

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