Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a fresh, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing salad that combines creamy tang with crisp veggies, this Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Bright basil and cherry tomatoes, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a luscious buttermilk dressing all mingle perfectly with tender penne pasta to create a flavorful dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, potluck, or just jazzing up dinner at home, this recipe brings a delightful twist to your salad repertoire that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together in harmony. Each one contributes to the salad’s balance of taste, texture, and color, making the whole bowl truly sing.
- Penne pasta: The perfect sturdy base that holds onto the dressing and veggies beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant herbaceous pop that brightens every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant red color for freshness.
- Diced cucumber: Offers cool crunch and a refreshing contrast.
- Chopped chives: Provides a subtle oniony kick without overpowering.
- Diced red onion: Brings sharpness and a hint of bite to the mix.
- Mini sweet peppers: Adds color and a slight sweetness with crisp texture.
- Salted sunflower seeds: Give a delightful nutty crunch that surprises the palate.
- Crumbled feta: Creamy and tangy with just the right saltiness to elevate flavors.
- Buttermilk: The star ingredient that lends a rich, tangy creaminess to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and helps bind everything together.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with lively citrus notes.
- Hot sauce: Injects a gentle kick to keep the flavors exciting.
- Minced garlic: Brings depth and savory warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all other ingredients.
How to Make Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions to ensure it reaches that just-perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking and to cool it down—this step is key to making a refreshing pasta salad where each bite stays firm and bouncy.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies and Cheese
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with torn fresh basil, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped chives, diced red onion, and sliced mini sweet peppers. Add in the salted sunflower seeds and crumbled feta cheese, then give everything a gentle toss to distribute all those colors and flavors evenly. Every forkful will be a delightful mix of textures and freshness.
Step 3: Prepare the Buttermilk Dressing
Whisk together the buttermilk and mayonnaise until creamy and smooth. Stir in the lemon juice, your favorite hot sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting until the dressing hits that perfect tangy, creamy, and mildly spicy note that makes this Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe truly special.
Step 4: Toss Dressing with Salad
Pour the buttermilk dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated in that luscious, zesty sauce. You can serve immediately for a fresh taste or cover and refrigerate overnight to deepen the flavors—both ways are delicious.
How to Serve Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta and a few fresh basil leaves on top just before serving to enhance the presentation and layer on fresh herbal notes. A dash of freshly cracked black pepper or an additional pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice visual contrast and a bit of subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even your favorite barbecue staples. It’s wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with hearty proteins and providing a refreshing balance, helping to brighten up any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving this salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or stacked in clear glass jars for a pretty layered look that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. You can also spoon it atop toasted crostini for a delightful appetizer or pack it in bento-box-style lunches for a colorful, satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more harmonious after resting overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy days.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this pasta salad is not recommended. Freezing would change the texture of both the veggies and the dressing, potentially making the salad watery and less appetizing once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad meant to be refreshing, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer to adjust the temperature, simply let it sit at room temp for about 15 minutes out of the fridge before serving; reheating is not necessary or advised.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the dressing, other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or shells work wonderfully and change up the texture experience nicely.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by stirring 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will give you the tangy acidity to mimic buttermilk’s flavor in the dressing.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or crispy tofu all pair beautifully with this salad and make it a satisfying, balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
How spicy is the salad?
The hot sauce and red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that enhances the flavors without overpowering. If you prefer milder dishes, just reduce or omit these ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo, use dairy-free feta alternatives, and substitute buttermilk with a vegan sour cream thinned with a touch of lemon juice and plant-based milk.
Final Thoughts
This Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on repeat, especially when craving something fresh, tangy, and hearty all at once. It’s bright, creamy, and packed with textures and flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad to share with friends and family!
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Buttermilk Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy Buttermilk Pasta Salad packed with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty homemade dressing. This easy-to-make salad combines tender penne pasta with a creamy buttermilk and mayonnaise dressing enhanced by lemon juice and hot sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1 (16-oz) package penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup chopped chives
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup mini sweet peppers, sliced
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Crystal brand or Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add torn basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped chives, diced red onion, sliced mini sweet peppers, salted sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss well to ensure every ingredient is coated with the creamy dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or cover and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use salted sunflower seeds to add a nice crunch and a hint of saltiness.
- Add the hot sauce gradually and taste to adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
- This salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; the flavors meld beautifully with time.
- Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- To make this a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free penne pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
