Description
A cool, crisp, and rich yet light summer pasta salad featuring rotini, frozen peas, cream cheese, and fresh dill. This simple, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and quick lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340g) dry rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
- 4 ounces (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water.
- While the pasta cooks, place the frozen peas in a small bowl and pour boiling water over them to blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooled pasta and blanched peas to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
- Stir in the chopped fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth dressing. Do not skip the cold rinse on the pasta to prevent gumminess. For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This salad does not freeze well; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, peas, summer recipe, picnic food, easy dinner, cold pasta salad, dill, cream cheese dressing