Bright, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, this Peas N Cheese Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of comfort and freshness! Featuring tender rotini pasta, sweet bursts of thawed peas, and hearty chunks of cheddar cheese, this salad is dressed in a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey for a subtle tangy-sweet finish. A sprinkle of finely diced red onion adds a satisfying crunch, while optional fresh parsley brings an herby pop of color. Perfect as a chilled side dish or a light, satisfying main, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or weekday lunches, this creamy pasta salad will quickly become a family favorite.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Place the frozen peas in a colander and run them under warm water for 2-3 minutes to thaw. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, cubed cheddar cheese, and finely diced red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
If desired, sprinkle the salad with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold as a side dish or light main course. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories |
2979 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 179.6 g | 230% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.9 g | 334% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 403 mg | 134% | |
| Sodium | 3045 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.8 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.1 g | ||
| Protein | 100.4 g | 201% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1936 mg | 149% | |
| Iron | 11.5 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1368 mg | 29% | |
*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.