Creamy Rotini Salad
Creamy rotini pasta combined with fresh vegetables, savory pepperoni, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for a hearty, flavorful family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 box rotini ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion ⓘ
- 1 package frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 small can black olives ⓘ
- 1 bunch broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 pound pepperoni ⓘ
- 1 package Hidden Valley dressing mix ⓘ
- 6 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup milk
- 2 (3 oz.) packages cream cheese
- 1 pint small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 pound Muenster cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 pound sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat eggs; add sugar, salt, and milk to create the egg mixture.
- Add cream cheese, cottage cheese, and butter to the egg mixture, mixing until smooth.
- When ready to bake, fold in the baking powder and flour into the mixture.
- Stir in cooked sausage (or bacon if desired).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch or larger Pyrex pan.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese. You can substitute the Muenster cheese with Monterey Jack or Cheddar if preferred. Frozen mixed vegetables can replace broccoli and peas for added variety. To save time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy rotini salad is perfect as a standalone dish or paired with a fresh garden salad. For a delightful meal, serve with garlic bread or as a side with grilled chicken. It also pairs beautifully with Microwave Toffee Squares for a sweet finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are warm but not overcooked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Rotini Salad contains roughly 780 calories, with 28g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1980mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Definitely! You can omit the sausage and use additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying without meat.
What can I substitute for the Hidden Valley dressing mix?
If you don’t have Hidden Valley dressing mix, you can create a homemade version using equal parts of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).