Creamy Pasta Salad
Creamy pasta salad is a chilled, versatile side dish featuring cooked pasta tossed in a rich, mayonnaise or sour cream-based dressing. It typically includes crunchy vegetables like celery, onions, and bell peppers, along with additions like cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or diced ham. While its roots are in American picnic and potluck cuisine, it has countless regional and personal variations.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the creamy dressing, with moderate protein if ingredients like cheese or eggs are included. A typical 1-cup serving provides energy, some dietary fiber, and vitamins like vitamin C from the vegetables, but can range from 300 to 500 calories depending on the specific recipe.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 µg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin K | 15 µg |
| Folate | 40 µg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, creamy pasta salad is a staple of American communal gatherings, symbolizing convenience and adaptability. Nutritionally, its uniqueness lies in being a rare cold pasta dish that serves as a substantial side or light main, balancing indulgent creaminess with the textural contrast of fresh, crisp vegetables.
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AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms