Creamy Coleslaw Pasta Salad

A creamy, crunchy, and refreshing pasta salad combining tender pasta, crisp cabbage, carrots, and a sweet-tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or an easy side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini or elbow pasta
• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, optional

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain very well and allow it to cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red onion, celery, parsley, and green onions.
4. Add the cooled pasta and gently toss everything together.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or sugar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Fold in the raisins or dried cranberries and sunflower seeds or chopped almonds if using.
8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the coleslaw vegetables to become nicely chilled.
9. Before serving, stir the salad gently. If it has become too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk, buttermilk, or a little extra Greek yogurt to loosen the dressing.
10. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, sweetness, or vinegar according to your preference.

Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings and including the creamy dressing but excluding optional nuts/dried fruit:

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Sodium: 430 mg

Nutrition will vary depending on the mayonnaise, pasta, sweetener, and optional toppings used.

Nut Information

• The basic recipe is naturally nut-free.
• Almonds are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
• Sunflower seeds are a good nut-free alternative for added crunch.
• If serving someone with a nut allergy, check mayonnaise, mustard, yogurt, and other packaged ingredients for allergen statements and possible cross-contact.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes. It can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Add a small amount of dressing before serving if it becomes dry.

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Rotini, bow-tie, shells, macaroni, penne, or fusilli all work well.

Q: Can I make it without mayonnaise?
A: Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with additional plain Greek yogurt or use a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream.

Q: Can I make it sweeter?
A: Yes. Add another 1–2 teaspoons of honey or sugar to the dressing.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: Store it covered in the refrigerator and use within 3–4 days. Stir before serving.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes. Diced grilled chicken, shredded chicken, chopped ham, turkey, or hard-boiled eggs can turn it into a more filling meal.

Q: Why did my pasta salad become dry?
A: Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Stir in a little extra dressing, Greek yogurt, or milk before serving.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that the other packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream and check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free.

Q: What can I serve with it?
A: It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, burgers, pulled pork, BBQ chicken, grilled fish, sandwiches, and roasted meats.