Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad

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Light, zesty, and bursting with bright flavor, this Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad is everything you need for your next cookout or weeknight meal prep. It’s a refreshing twist on the classic pasta salad—tangy lemon pairs with a rich, creamy base, tender pasta, and crisp veggies to create the ultimate summer side dish (or main, if you’re like me and go back for seconds).

This dish comes together quickly and gets better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead recipe. The creaminess of the dressing complements the sharp citrus notes, and the textures—from al dente pasta to crunchy cucumbers—make every bite a satisfying one. Great for potlucks, BBQs, or a sunny picnic in the backyard.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle are ideal. Their twists and ridges hold onto the creamy lemon dressing, ensuring flavor in every forkful. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they just don’t carry the dressing the same way.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled feta or grated parmesan

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How To Make the Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Lemon Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, cucumber, celery, red onion, and parsley. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

If using, fold in the crumbled feta or grated parmesan for extra flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad

Serve chilled straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, veggie skewers, or as a vibrant potluck addition.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again. If it thickens too much, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of mayo to refresh it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this salad lighter?

Try swapping Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise or sour cream. It’ll still be creamy but with less fat and more protein.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

What protein can I add to make it a meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions to bulk it up.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your labels for mayonnaise and sour cream to ensure they’re GF.

What herbs work well here besides parsley?

Fresh dill, basil, or even chives bring lovely aromatic layers to the salad.

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Want More Pasta Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad, you’ll enjoy these other delicious dishes from my kitchen:

• Broccoli Salad with a sweet and tangy dressing.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a warm, savory meal.
• Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti that’s hands-off and hearty.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for seafood pasta lovers.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you’re craving rich, creamy comfort.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or meal prep board so it’s right there when you need it.

And let me know how your version turned out! Did you toss in some dill? Maybe add grilled shrimp on top? I’m always inspired by your twists and takes on these dishes.

For more fresh, flavorful ideas, head over to my Pinterest page: Nina Dishes.

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