Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad Recipe is rich, fresh, and full of comforting Italian-inspired flavors. Tender pasta, spinach, tomatoes, chicken, parmesan, and creamy dressing create a delicious meal perfect for lunches, picnics, and family dinners.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until tender. Drain the pasta well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process completely.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry the spinach carefully. Chop the spinach into smaller pieces. Slice the cherry tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion so every bite has balanced flavor and texture.
Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth, creamy, and well blended with no lumps remaining.
Combine the Salad Ingredients
- Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add spinach, tomatoes, olives, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and parmesan cheese. Toss gently so the ingredients spread evenly throughout the bowl.
Add the Dressing
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture slowly. Stir carefully with a wooden spoon until every piece of pasta gets coated with the creamy Tuscan dressing. Make sure everything looks evenly mixed.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors blend together beautifully. Serve chilled with extra parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until tender for the best texture
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking
- Add grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing
- Fresh basil adds amazing flavor and color
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Stir before serving because the dressing thickens while chilled
- Add a splash of milk if the dressing becomes too thick