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Easy Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

creamy sun-dried tomato pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and creamy pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, cottage cheese dressing, and fresh basil, perfect for a satisfying lunch that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
  • ½ cup cottage cheese (small-curd), blended until creamy
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. Toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent clumping. Set aside.
  4. While the pasta cooks, add ½ cup cottage cheese, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 small minced garlic clove to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil to loosen it.
  5. Finely chop ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons fresh basil. Grate ¼ cup Parmesan cheese if using.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
  7. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir lightly.
  9. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  10. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately.

Notes

If sun-dried tomatoes are dry-packed, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and help dressing cling. Blend cottage cheese for a silky dressing. Add lemon juice for brightness. Toss pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Variations include using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese, vegan mayo for dairy-free, or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, quick lunch recipe, easy pasta salad, cottage cheese dressing, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/easy-creamy-sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad-recipe-for-quick-lunch-ideas/