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

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A quick and easy creamy Tuscan pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a luscious dressing. Perfect for a comforting snack or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or fusilli and cook for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  3. Roughly chop ½ cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, and 2 cups fresh spinach.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, spinach, and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and the cheese starts to melt slightly into the warm pasta.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dressing thicken slightly. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

If the salad looks dry after chilling, stir in a splash of olive oil or a little more sour cream. Use a light hand when tossing to avoid breaking the pasta. Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and helps dressing cling better. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, sun-dried tomato salad, easy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, fusilli pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad

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