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Close up handheld photo of creamy pasta salad with thick ivory dressing and shredded yellow cheddar. (Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad)

Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad with Rich Sour Cream Dressing

A rich and velvety Creamy Cheddar Pasta Salad featuring rotini enveloped in a thick ivory sour cream dressing, topped with sharp yellow cheddar strands and fresh green chives for the perfect potluck side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Rotini Pasta Cooked al dente
  • 8 oz (225g) Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese Hand-shredded into long thin strands
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) Full-fat Sour Cream For the ivory dressing
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Mayonnaise For extra creaminess
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 pinch Dried Herb Flakes Parsley or Oregano
  • 1/4 cup (10g) Fresh Chives Bright green, sliced

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Box Grater For shredding cheese into long strands
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For whisking the dressing

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook rotini in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking and remove starch.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, vinegar, and garlic powder until a thick ivory-white consistency is reached.
  2. Fold the cooled rotini into the dressing until completely enveloped. Gently stir in the shredded yellow cheddar strands.
  3. Dust with dried herb flakes and top with freshly sliced chives before serving.

Notes

Use full-fat sour cream to maintain the thick, velvety ivory texture.
Ensure the pasta is completely cold before adding the dressing to prevent it from becoming oily.