Pea and Cheese Pasta Salad
Bright, refreshing, and irresistibly creamy, this Pea and Cheese Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Tender pasta and sweet peas are paired with the tangy crunch of green onions and cubes of sharp cheddar cheese for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Coated in a luscious, zesty dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, this creamy pasta salad is both comforting and vibrant. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish to keep you cool on warm days. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra herby goodness.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1.5 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
In the last two minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the frozen peas to the pot. Allow them to cook with the pasta.
Drain the pasta and peas, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set aside to cool completely.
While the pasta is cooling, cut the sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes (about 1/4-inch pieces) and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Once the pasta and peas have cooled, add them to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Toss until the pasta and peas are evenly coated.
Add the cubed cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley (if using) to the salad. Gently fold until all ingredients are well combined.
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2113 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.5 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.5 g | 202% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 268 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 2355 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 162.9 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.8 g | ||
| Protein | 61.3 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 994 mg | 76% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 848 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
