Creamy Pasta Salad Mayo Peas

This creamy pasta salad combines tender pasta, crisp veggies and cubes of cheddar in a sweet and tangy mayo dressing. It is an easy crowd-pleaser for potlucks and summer gatherings or for simple weeknight dinners.

I first whipped this up for a Fourth of July barbecue and my friends still ask for the “pasta salad with the cubes of cheese” every year since.

Ingredients

• Rotini or other short pasta: holds dressing in every nook look for brands with plenty of texture
• Large shredded carrot: brings natural sweetness and color choose carrots that are firm with deep orange color
• Celery rib: for crunch always use crisp celery with bright green color
• Cheddar cheese cubed: for richness and flavor buy a block and cut it yourself for best texture
• Frozen peas thawed: for sweetness and pop go for a bag with uniform color and shape
• Mayonnaise extra creamy: binds the salad together use a real full-fat version for best results
• White sugar: for the sweet edge superfine sugar blends the smoothest
• White vinegar: sharpens and brightens choose distilled for clean flavor
• Salt and black pepper: enhances and balances all the components use freshly cracked pepper if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Veggies and Cheese:

Shred the carrot using a box grater for even thin strands Slice the celery into paper-thin crescents and cut cheddar into small cubes about the size of a pea

Thaw the Peas:

Remove peas from the freezer and leave them on the countertop to fully thaw While they thaw give them a gentle pat dry to avoid watering down the salad

Boil the Pasta:

Add pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water Cook it just until al dente so it keeps some structure for the salad Drain it in a colander and run under plenty of cold water until every piece is cooled This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from becoming sticky

Mix the Dressing:

In a very large bowl whisk together mayonnaise sugar vinegar salt and pepper Keep whisking until there are no lumps and the dressing is glossy and smooth

Toss It All Together:

Add the cold pasta peas carrot celery and cheese to the bowl with the dressing Use a big spoon or spatula to gently fold until everything is evenly coated Go slowly to avoid breaking up the peas or smashing the cheese cubes

Chill and Serve:

Place the finished salad in the fridge for at least one hour before serving This allows all the flavors to mingle and the salad to firm up Scoop into a big serving bowl and enjoy chilled

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The cubes of sharp cheddar are my favorite part Sometimes I add a few extra just for myself When my kids help toss it together they always sneak some of the cheese right from the bowl

Storage Tips

Store creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days If you find that it dries out as it sits stir in an extra spoonful of mayo to make it creamy again Always serve cold for best texture and flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap rotini for any short pasta shell pasta or bow ties work well too Use mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack if you prefer less sharpness For extra tang try using apple cider vinegar instead of white

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect on its own served cold at barbecues picnics or potlucks It pairs especially well with grilled chicken burgers or as a hearty side for oven-baked ham Add cooked and cubed ham or crumbled bacon to turn it into a main dish

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Cultural Context

Creamy pasta salads like this one became popular at American family gatherings in the 1970s Sweet mayo-based dressings and colorful vegetables made these salads a staple for potlucks and summer picnics The classic combination still tastes as nostalgic as ever

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne are ideal as their curves hold onto the creamy dressing and chunky add-ins.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great made in advance. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir in extra mayo if the pasta absorbs too much dressing.

→ Are there substitution options for vegetables?

Absolutely. Try diced bell peppers, onions, or snap peas depending on your preferences and what’s available.

→ How do I prevent the salad from drying out?

Chill the pasta thoroughly before mixing and add a touch more mayo before serving if needed to revive creaminess.

→ What extra proteins can be added?

Cooked ham, bacon, or chopped hard-boiled eggs are delicious choices for boosting flavor and substance.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Freezing is not recommended, as it changes the texture and causes the dressing to separate.