Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad
This Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables, tender macaroni, and a rich, tangy dressing! Every bite is creamy, refreshing, slightly sweet, and full of delicious flavor.
It’s an easy make-ahead side dish for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. Once you serve it, everyone will ask for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
– 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
– 2 cups shredded green cabbage
– 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
– ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
– ½ cup chopped celery
– ½ cup sliced green onions
– ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just tender.
Avoid overcooking because the pasta will soften further as it absorbs the dressing.
Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain completely.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
While the pasta cools, finely shred the green and purple cabbage.
Grate the carrots and chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, celery, red onion, and green onions.
Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add a little milk if you prefer a thinner dressing.
Step 4: Combine everything
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl of vegetables.
Pour approximately three-quarters of the dressing over the mixture.
Gently toss until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill the salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
This allows the flavors to blend together and gives the salad its delicious coleslaw-style taste.
Step 6: Finish and serve
Remove from the refrigerator and stir gently.
Add the remaining dressing if needed, since pasta absorbs some of the dressing while chilling.
Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Ingredient & Nut Information 🌿
Green & Purple Cabbage
Provide fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Carrots
Contain beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A.
Macaroni
Provides carbohydrates for energy.
Fresh Vegetables
Add crunch, color, vitamins, and freshness.
Nut information: This recipe is naturally nut-free when made with the listed ingredients. Check mayonnaise and other packaged ingredient labels for allergen warnings.
Estimated Nutrition Information
Per serving, assuming 8 servings and the ingredients listed.
Nutrient Approximate amount
Calories 380–430 kcal
Protein 8–10 g
Carbohydrates 42–48 g
Fat 21–25 g
Fiber 3–4 g
Sugar 6–9 g
Questions & Answers (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate. Add a little extra dressing before serving if needed.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Rotini, shells, bow ties, and small penne work beautifully.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Yes. Substitute Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream.
Q4: How do I keep the pasta salad creamy?
Reserve some dressing and mix it in just before serving. Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it chills.
Q5: Can I add protein?
Definitely! Try adding:
– Diced grilled chicken
– Shredded rotisserie chicken
– Chopped hard-boiled eggs
– Diced turkey
– Cooked shrimp
Q6: Can I use a store-bought coleslaw mix?
Yes! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix saves preparation time. Add extra bell peppers and green onions for more flavor.
Q7: How long does this salad last?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3–4 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in temperatures above 32°C (90°F).
Q8: Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh cabbage can become watery and change texture.
Q9: Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use whole-wheat macaroni, light mayonnaise, and plain Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the added honey or sugar.
Q10: What dishes go well with this salad?
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, baked fish, roasted vegetables, and sandwiches.
Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
– Cook pasta just until al dente.
– Drain pasta thoroughly before mixing.
– Slice vegetables finely for the best texture.
– Chill for at least one hour before serving.
– Reserve extra dressing to refresh the salad.
– Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, and sweetness before serving.
Final Note: This Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad is crunchy, colorful, tangy, and wonderfully creamy! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish for summer BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. One bowl is never enough! ❤️
