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Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

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A delicious and easy pasta salad that combines creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for any occasion.

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 fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Gently fold everything together until well coated.
  5. If using, fold in toasted pine nuts and chopped baby spinach or arugula. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  6. 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.

Notes

For best flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Feel free to add or replace vegetables as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy salad, Tuscan salad, vegetarian dish

Find it online: https://yourfavoriterecipes.com/creamy-tuscan-pasta-salad-easy-homemade-recipe/