A Bright, Breezy Pasta Salad You’ll Make All Season Long
There’s something irresistible about a cold pasta salad on a warm day. It’s casual but satisfying, light but filling—and when it’s packed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a simple olive oil dressing like this Tomato Basil Pasta Salad, it becomes pure sunshine on a plate.
This salad is all about celebrating fresh ingredients at their peak: sweet cherry tomatoes, peppery basil, and tender pasta brought together with just a few pantry staples. It’s effortless, refreshing, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy lunches.
If you want a pasta salad that feels gourmet without any fuss, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
| ✔ | Bright, fresh, and easy to throw together |
|---|---|
| ✔ | Perfect for meal prep or entertaining |
| ✔ | Naturally vegan and easily gluten-free |
| ✔ | Only a handful of wholesome ingredients |
| ✔ | Customizable with endless add-ins |
1 Ingredient Rundown & Smart Swaps
| Swap-Friendly Notes |
|---|
| Pasta – Use rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle for catching dressing and veggies. Gluten-free pasta works too! |
| Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and less wateriness than large tomatoes. |
| Basil – Fresh only! Dried basil won’t deliver the same bright flavor. |
| Olive oil – Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing. |
| Vinegar or lemon – Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the rich olive oil. |
2 Ingredient & Prep Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short pasta (rotini, fusilli, etc.) | 8 oz | Cooked and cooled |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1½ cups | Halved |
| Fresh basil leaves | ½ cup packed | Sliced into ribbons (chiffonade) |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | Extra virgin preferred |
| Red wine vinegar or lemon juice | 2 tbsp | |
| Garlic clove | 1 | Minced |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Optional: red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | For a touch of heat |
| Optional: vegan parmesan | 2 tbsp | For garnish |
3 Step-by-Step Method: Boil ➜ Chop ➜ Toss ➜ Chill
1. Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Tomatoes and Basil
Halve cherry tomatoes. Slice basil leaves into thin ribbons.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta, tomatoes, and basil with dressing until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with vegan parmesan if desired.
Total active time: about 20 minutes (plus chilling).
4 Flavor Science: Why Tomato and Basil Are the Perfect Pair
- Complementary Aromatics – Basil’s peppery, slightly sweet notes enhance tomatoes’ natural umami and juiciness.
- Bright, Fresh Balance – Olive oil and acid amplify the freshness of both key ingredients.
- Textural Harmony – Juicy tomatoes and tender pasta create the perfect mouthfeel together.
Result? A dish that feels luxurious yet effortless—summer on a fork.
5 Chef Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water – It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Cool pasta properly – Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushy noodles.
- Dress while slightly warm – Pasta absorbs flavors better when not fully cold.
- Use plenty of basil – It’s not just garnish—it’s a major flavor star.
- Chill for full flavor – Give salad time to marinate in the fridge before serving.
6 Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
(Values based on 6 servings.)
7 Flavor Variations & Add-In Ideas
Flavor Twists
- Pesto Pasta Salad – Stir a spoonful of vegan pesto into the dressing.
- Caprese Style – Add cubed vegan mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Mediterranean Version – Toss in Kalamata olives and roasted red peppers.
Add-In Ideas
- Arugula or baby spinach
- Toasted pine nuts
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant slices
8 Meal Prep and Storage
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook pasta and prep veggies a day ahead.
- Store dressing separately and toss before serving if prepping more than a day ahead.
Storage
- Refrigerate assembled salad in airtight containers up to 3–4 days.
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing and flavor.
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving leftovers to brighten them up!
9 Make-Ahead Tips
- Double batch dressing – Makes it easy to freshen up leftovers.
- Pasta batch cooking – Cook a larger batch of pasta and use half for another salad or meal.
10 Zero-Waste Salad Ideas
- Tomato scraps – Freeze for homemade vegetable broth or sauces.
- Basil stems – Blend into pestos or green sauces.
- Pasta water – Use salted pasta water to enhance flavor in soups or stews.
11 FAQ Section
Q1 – Can I use large tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but scoop out seeds and chop to prevent too much extra liquid.
Q2 – What pasta shape is best?
Short shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne hold dressing and veggies best.
Q3 – Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and check labels on vinegar and parmesan if adding.
Q4 – How long does it stay fresh?
Best eaten within 3–4 days when refrigerated in a sealed container.
Q5 – Can I add protein?
Sure! Add chickpeas, grilled tofu, or white beans for a heartier salad.
12 Printable Recipe Card
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad (Chefsgiggle.com)
Yield 6 servings | Prep time 10 min | Cook time 10 min
Ingredients: Short pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil dressing.
Instructions: Boil and cool pasta, prep veggies, whisk dressing, toss everything together, chill and serve.
Nutrition: ≈310 kcal, 8g protein, 16g fat per serving.
13 Call-to-Action
Ready for a fresh, effortless pasta salad bursting with summer flavors? Pin this Tomato Basil Pasta Salad recipe, tag your picnic pals, and visit Chefsgiggle.com for even more bright, breezy recipes—like Pesto Orzo Salad and Lemon Chickpea Bowls. Share your favorite pasta salad add-ins in the comments and let’s keep it fresh and fabulous!
Bright, breezy, and totally craveable—fork up some sunshine today! 🍝🍅🌿
