Festive Pasta Salad

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Festive Pasta Salad.

1. Step 1

   Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, milk, honey mustard, white vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large mixing bowl. This creamy dressing will be the star of your pasta salad, so make sure it's well combined and smooth.

2. Step 2

   Next, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the penne pasta and cook it uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it's al dente—about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl to cool slightly.

3. Step 3

   While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped basil, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant. This aromatic mixture will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your salad.

4. Step 4

   Pour the garlic and basil mixture over the cooked penne. Then, add in the chopped cauliflower, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, cubed mozzarella cheese, sliced green onion, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.

5. Step 5

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for about an hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.