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Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

creamy tuscan sun-dried tomato pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad featuring tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a rich dressing, perfect for summer picnics and light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or fusilli and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy but pourable.
  4. Roughly chop 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Reserve a teaspoon of the oil for added flavor if desired.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If in a rush, 15 minutes works.
  9. Before serving, if the salad is too thick, stir in a splash of olive oil or reserved sun-dried tomato oil to loosen.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously to season the pasta. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and keep the salad refreshing. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely for even flavor distribution. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add a splash of olive oil if salad is too thick after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, sun-dried tomato, creamy pasta salad, Tuscan pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-tuscan-sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/