Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

“This is one of my most requested pasta salads at my house!”
Bright, creamy, and full of Mediterranean flavors, this Tuscan-style pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, bringing it to a potluck, or serving it at home for a light dinner, this vibrant dish never disappoints.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta (cooled)

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)

• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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‍ Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

Tip: Pasta should be fully cooled before mixing with the dressing to avoid thinning it out.

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2. Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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3. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooled pasta

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• Spinach

• Red bell pepper

• Feta cheese

• Black olives

• Red onion

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.

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4. Chill & Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course!

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⏱️ Time & Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Serves: 4–6 portions

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Variations & Tips

• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for added protein.

• Herb boost: Toss in chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.

• Vegan version: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free feta.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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️ Perfect For:

• Summer barbecues

• Weeknight dinners

• Potlucks & picnics

• Meal prep lunches

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Quick Recap

Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, bell pepper, feta, olives, red onion

• Creamy dressing: mayo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning

Steps:

1. Cook and cool pasta

2. Make the dressing

3. Combine all salad ingredients

4. Toss with dressing and chill

5. Serve cold and enjoy!

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This Creamy Tuscan Pasta Salad is easy to make, loaded with flavor, and always a hit. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most requested dishes in the house!