Dinner

The Ultimate Hellmann’s Pasta Salad Recipe: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight Recipe

ByNoah Steele October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

This Ultimate Hellmann’s Pasta Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Combining fresh vegetables, tender rotini pasta, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with three layers of rotini pasta that is light yellow and curly in texture. Mixed throughout are slices of bright red cherry tomatoes, light green cucumber rounds, slivers of translucent purple-red onion, and small sprigs of dark green parsley leaves, all evenly spread across the top and intermingled with the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1 cup cucumber (diced)
½ cup red bell pepper (diced)

¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or substitute with mozzarella)

2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
¾ cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp honey
½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley finely.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute half of the Hellmann’s Mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder flavor.

Include chopped olives or celery for added crunch and complexity.
Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances the flavor and texture.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. If the salad thickens after refrigeration, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or lemon juice to loosen it up.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with three layers of thick, twisted rotini pasta cooked to a soft yellow color. Scattered throughout the pasta are bright green cucumber slices with a fresh, moist texture, small bright red cherry tomato halves showing juicy interiors, and thin slices of purple-red onion adding a slightly translucent touch. Fresh, dark green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a leafy contrast to the smooth pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light enhancing the shiny, moist look of the salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours in advance or the day before helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Is Hellmann’s Mayonnaise essential for this recipe?

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is recommended for its creamy texture and balanced flavor, but you can substitute with your preferred mayonnaise brand if needed.