Description
This French Onion Pasta Salad is a creamy, savory side dish featuring perfectly al dente rotini tossed with deeply caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy French onion dressing. It is chilled to allow the flavors to meld, making it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a comforting yet refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or short pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing pasta)
Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Dressing & Mix-ins
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until they are deep golden brown and fully caramelized. This slow cooking draws out the natural sweetness and develops rich flavors.
- Deglaze and cool onions: Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the caramelized onions to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the onions cool slightly before proceeding.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, French onion soup mix, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, cooled caramelized onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and chill: Taste the pasta salad and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, stir in crumbled bacon or chopped green onions before chilling.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
