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Top-down view of Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad in a clear glass bowl with rotini, peas, and red peppers. (Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad)

Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Cold Rotini Side Dish

This Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad features perfectly cooked rotini tossed in a velvety sour cream dressing with sharp cheddar cubes, sweet peas, and crisp red peppers. A classic, vibrant side dish for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 16 oz Rotini Pasta 450g
  • 8 oz Sharp Orange Cheddar Cheese 225g, cubed
  • 1 cup Frozen Garden Peas 150g, thawed
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Diced
  • 1.5 cups Sour Cream 360ml, full-fat
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise 120ml
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 15ml
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley Flakes For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Clear Glass Bowl To showcase colors
  • 1 Large Stock Pot
  • 1 Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately.
  2. Whisk sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and spices in a bowl until velvety and white.
  3. Fold pasta, cheddar cubes, peas, and peppers into the dressing in a large glass bowl.
  4. Dust with dried parsley flakes and chill before serving.

Notes

Shock the pasta in cold water to prevent it from soaking up all the dressing.
Use extra sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast.