Creamy Basil Pasta Salad
A fast and impressive pasta salad with creamy basil dressing that's perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 box Box of short pasta (penne or fusilli) Choose your favorite shape
- 1-2 pieces Crunchy cucumbers Chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 handful Fresh basil leaves Chopped
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup Mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt Adjust quantity based on preference
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Fresh is preferred
- 1 clove Garlic Crushed
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper To season
Cheese
- 1 cup Cheese (mozzarella balls or feta) For extra flavor, add Parm
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and add salt generously.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
Preparing the Ingredients
- Chop the fresh basil, halve the tomatoes, and dice the cucumber.
Making the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, diced vegetables, and cheese.
- Pour the creamy basil dressing over the salad and mix until all ingredients are coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then chill before serving for best flavor.
Notes
For a twist, experiment with additional vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken, ham, or shrimp. This salad holds up well when served cold, perfect for picnics or potlucks.