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Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Delight

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A creamy, tangy pasta salad featuring fusilli, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a luscious dressing perfect for potlucks and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fusilli pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred, drained slightly)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped baby spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and slightly drained), ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Gently fold everything together until pasta is well coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. If using, fold in ¼ cup toasted pine nuts and 1 cup chopped baby spinach or arugula for extra texture and flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a little extra fresh basil on top for presentation.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess and melting the dressing. Be gentle when mixing to avoid bruising basil or smashing tomatoes. Toast pine nuts carefully over medium-low heat to avoid burning. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, fusilli pasta, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, creamy dressing, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/creamy-tuscan-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-sun-dried-tomato-basil-delight/