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This fresh and creamy pasta salad is perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or easy make-ahead lunches. Grape tomatoes, basil, and garlic add bright flavor, while the lemony dressing keeps everything light and lively.
The sour cream–mayonnaise combination coats the rotini beautifully, and the herbs bring a burst of summer to every bite. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy a generous bowl all on its own.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Simple ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and lemon keep things bright without fuss.
Creamy but light. Sour cream adds tang and softness without making the salad heavy.
Great make-ahead. Chills well and is ideal for cookouts or lunch prep.
Flexible. Add mozzarella, cucumbers, olives, or grilled chicken if you like.
Ingredient Notes
- Rotini or similar pasta – Spiral shapes hold the creamy dressing especially well.
- Lemon zest and juice – Adds brightness and balances the mayonnaise.
- Garlic – Minced finely so the flavor distributes nicely.
- Mayonnaise & sour cream – The base of the creamy dressing.
- Red onion – Adds color and crunch; chop finely for best texture.
- Grape tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and perfect halved.
- Parsley & fresh basil – Fresh herbs make the salad taste lively and summery.
- Salt & pepper – Adjust at the end once the salad has chilled.
Steps to Make Pasta Salad With Tomatoes and Basil
- Cook the pasta, drain, and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
- Add the warm pasta to the bowl along with the onion and tomatoes.
- Add parsley and basil; toss everything together.
- Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and extra mayonnaise if desired.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips
- Tossing the pasta while still warm helps it absorb the dressing better.
- For stronger basil flavor, add a few extra leaves just before serving.
- If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of milk or mayonnaise to loosen it.
- Use a mix of colorful cherry tomatoes for an even prettier presentation.
Recipe Variations
- Add mozzarella pearls. Makes it taste like a caprese pasta salad.
- Include cucumbers. Adds crunch and freshness.
- Use Greek yogurt. Swap some sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Stir in olives. Black or Kalamata olives add salty depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers.
- Pair with sandwiches for an easy lunch.
- Add fresh basil on top for color.
- Bring it to potlucks—it travels well.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Pasta salads with mayonnaise hold well but may thicken slightly—stir before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended. The mayonnaise dressing will separate and the tomatoes will become watery and mushy after thawing.
Pasta Salad With Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, for the pasta cooking water
- 1 pound rotini
- ¾ cup mayonnaise, or more, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, or more, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 24 grape tomatoes, halved (about 1 pint)
- 4 tbsp finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook following the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and sour cream in a large bowl. Taste and add more lemon juice if needed. Blend well.
- Add the warm pasta to the bowl along with the red onion and grape tomatoes. Add the dressing mixture and herbs, then toss to thoroughly combine. Add more mayonnaise if needed for creaminess.
- Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
