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Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

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A creamy and refreshing pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for summer gatherings and quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or soaked if dry)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Shake well to drain thoroughly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If cream cheese is stiff, microwave for 10 seconds before mixing.
  4. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is coated with the dressing.
  6. Fold in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. If using dry-packed, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and chop before adding.
  7. Just before serving, stir in ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil and drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors. Stir before serving if chilled.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is essential. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve aroma and color. If salad thickens after chilling, loosen with a splash of water, milk, or olive oil. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese, mayo, and yogurt with vegan alternatives and omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, summer salad, easy pasta salad, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-tuscan-pasta-salad-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-basil-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/