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

Update : April 29, 2026

Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy dish that brings together rich flavors in one bowl. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this pasta salad has everything you need: creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and the goodness of sun-dried tomatoes. It is versatile and can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free choice for busy days.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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).
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.
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 the pasta is well coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.
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.
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.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

How to Store Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more mayonnaise or olive oil to bring back the creaminess when serving.

Tips to Make Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
Feel free to add or replace vegetables based on what you have. Bell peppers or cherry tomatoes would also work well.
You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it separately until you’re ready to mix everything together.

Variation

If you want to make this dish a little heartier, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or bow-tie pasta.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad?
A: It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the pasta and vegetables.