Creamy Parmesan Pasta Salad

Summer weather can get hot and humid and meal time can be a hassle!  So I like to prep ahead some delicious cold salads that work well as a meal or as a side.

This pasta salad is so delicious its hard not to go back for seconds!  

I used bowtie pasta for this dish but I think spiral pasta would also be great!  I grilled chicken to go on top of it, and added a side of vegetables.  But I made extra so we could enjoy it for a few days.  It's THAT good!  It would be a great addition to your next potluck or BBQ.

The fresh flavour combination of pasta, fresh veggies and parmesan dressing makes the taste buds dance!

Let's get cooking!

You will need-

Package of desired dry pasta - choose something that will hold onto the dressing

Red onion

Grated carrots

Green pepper

Dressing ingredients

Mayo or greek yogurt

Sour cream

Parmesan cheese

Lemon- juiced

Garlic cloves- I used 3

Salt and Pepper

Instructions-

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add pasta.  Cook until al dente. Do not overcook.

Drain and rinse.  Set aside.

Use whatever vegetables you like but I kept it simple and did grated carrot, diced red onion and green pepper.

Grate 1/2-1 cup of carrot- I use this box grater.

Dice 1 small red onion- I use this knife. Works so well.

Dice one small green pepper.

Garlic cloves- I used 3 and I finely grated them using this one.

 Add your above ingredients to the rinsed and cooled pasta and then start making the dressing.

In a small bowl combine-

1/2 cup mayo or greek yogurt

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice

1-1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

You can also add the grated garlic in at this point too whichever you prefer.

Whisk well.

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables to combine.  Let sit in refrigerator until ready to serve and all the flavours will meld together.

Remember this is a very forgiving recipe.  Try out other vegetables that you and your family like.  Make sure to share your creations with me on social!