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Creamy Dill Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick, 15-minute cold pasta salad featuring a creamy dill dressing, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) Penne or Rotini pasta
  • Water for boiling (plenty of salt)
  • Ice water for ice bath
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise (e.g., Duke’s or Hellmann’s)
  • ¼ cup Sour Cream (full fat)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 small clove Garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 pint (2 cups) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • ½ medium Cucumber, diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup Red Onion, finely diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente (approx. 8-10 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes to create an ice bath.
  3. Once pasta is al dente, drain it and immediately transfer to the ice bath. Swirl for 30 seconds until completely cool, then drain well.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and finely chop dill. If using red onion, dice and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  7. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  8. Fold in the fresh dill last to preserve its color and aroma.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not skip the ice bath; it stops the cooking process and prevents mushy pasta. Season the dressing well while it is room temperature, as cold food tastes blander. Add fresh dill and tomatoes just before serving if making ahead to maintain texture. Do not freeze this salad as the dressing will separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pasta salad, cherry tomato salad, creamy pasta salad, summer recipes, quick lunch, cold pasta salad, easy dinner

Find it online: https://miratable.com/creamy-dill-pasta-salad-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-15-min-recipe/