French Onion Dip Pasta Salad

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4 Servings

Pasta salad is one of those dishes that just screams “summer” to me. It’s a filling side with so many different variations that I never get bored. This version combines delicious pasta salad with one of my favorite dips, French onion. While I love a rich, homemade onion dip (and I think I make the best one), this recipe utilizes one of my favorite pantry shortcuts: onion soup mix.

Ingredients

300 g (10 oz) rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup French onion dip
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons crispy fried onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the French onion dip, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl.
Stir in the green onions, celery, red bell pepper, parsley, and cheddar cheese (if using).
Toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, stir the salad gently and garnish with crispy fried onions and extra parsley.
Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecue.
Pair with fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.