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Creamy Dill Rainbow Pasta Salad

Creamy Dill Rainbow Pasta Salad That Brightens Your Day

Creamy Dill Rainbow Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish bursting with color and crunch, perfect for a quick meal or make-ahead option.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream Use regular yogurt or omit for a lighter version.
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Substitute with low-fat or vegan mayo for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Dill Seasoning Fresh dill can be used for a fresher taste.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic can be substituted for a stronger taste.
  • Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • Pepper Freshly cracked pepper is preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice and Zest Substitute with vinegar for a different acidity.
For the Salad
  • 16 ounces Pasta Any short noodle like penne or fusilli will work.
  • 5 Hard-Boiled Eggs Can be omitted for a vegan version.
  • ½ Red Onion Yellow onion can be used as a milder alternative.
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Swap with any bell pepper variety.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Kale or arugula can be used for variation.
  • 1 cup Corn Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn (drained).
  • 4 ounces Cheddar Cheese Substitute with dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Omit for a dairy-free version.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to taste. Add juice and zest of 1 lemon, whisk until smooth.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice ½ red onion and 1 red bell pepper. Wash and chop 2 cups spinach. Cube 4 ounces cheddar cheese. Set aside ingredients.
  4. Combine the Pasta and Dressing: Add cooled pasta to the creamy dressing and toss until well-coated.
  5. Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients: Fold in diced hard-boiled eggs, onion, bell pepper, spinach, corn, cheddar, and Parmesan. Mix gently to combine.
  6. Taste and Adjust Flavors: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  7. Chill and Serve: Transfer to an airtight container and chill for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allows for customization with seasonal veggies and proteins. Perfect for make-ahead meals.

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