To create this heavenly pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) Farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Cream Dressing
To make the creamy garlic dressing, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
Preparing the Vegetables
Wash and chop all the vegetables as listed in the ingredients section. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and torn basil leaves to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
Making the Garlic Cream Dressing
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
Tossing It All Together
Pour the garlic cream dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy goodness.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta salad for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here's the approximate nutritional information for this garlic cream pasta salad (per serving):
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
- Sodium: 315mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Benefits of Garlic Cream Pasta Salad
Not only is this pasta salad incredibly delicious, but it also offers some fantastic health benefits. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and can help lower blood pressure. On the other hand, cream provides a good source of healthy fats and adds richness to the dish. The combination of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this pasta salad a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
This garlic cream pasta salad recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion. Its creamy, garlicky flavors combined with fresh and colorful vegetables create a delightful balance that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.
