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Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 69 reviews

Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and colorful pasta salad perfect for picnics and gatherings. Made with cavatappi pasta and a rich dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, it's balanced with crisp diced vegetables like red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and carrot for a refreshing crunch. This make-ahead salad gains flavor as it chills, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup finely diced carrot

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Chill completely before proceeding.
  2. Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss Pasta with Vinegar: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the chilled pasta to add tanginess and help prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
  4. Add Dressing to Pasta: Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the pasta and gently mix to coat all pieces evenly. Let the pasta rest for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Incorporate Vegetables: Fold in the diced red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and carrot carefully to combine without bruising the vegetables.
  6. Adjust Creaminess: Add the remaining dressing to the pasta salad to reach your preferred creaminess level. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or vinegar if desired.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
  8. Serve: Stir the salad before serving. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Cooking pasta just until al dente is crucial to avoid mushy salad.
  • Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and cools it down for the salad.
  • Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to fully develop.
  • Adjust dressing quantities to your preferred creaminess.
  • Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs for color and extra flavor.
  • This salad can be made a day in advance for even better taste.

Find it online: https://hotsavors.com/pink-cadillac-pasta-salad-recipe/