Sam's Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
A quick, creamy tomato basil pasta salad with a tangy zip and plenty of crunchy mix-ins.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 10 · Total: 25 · Serves: 8 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.7/5 (286 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Campbell's Kitchen (website)
Inspired by a classic brand pasta salad, with a creamier dressing and more fresh crunch.
Story
On Mondays I need sides that can do double duty, dinner tonight and lunchboxes tomorrow. I started from the [Campbell's Kitchen](https://www.campbells.com/recipes/tomato-basil-pasta-salad/) idea, then I tweaked it into my kind of creamy potluck pasta salad. The big change is adding a tangy mayo base and fresh crunchy veggies, so it tastes like something I would actually bring to the neighbor BBQ. It is easy, it is kid-friendly, and y'all can make it while the pasta boils.
By sam
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini
- 1 can Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp McCormick Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the rotini in salted water until just tender. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.
- In a big bowl, whisk together the Campbell's tomato soup, mayo, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta and toss until every noodle is coated.
- Fold in the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and Parmesan.
- Stir in the basil right before serving so it stays fresh and green.
- Taste and add a splash more vinegar if you want it brighter. Chill 10 minutes if you have time, then serve.
Chef Tips
- My change from the original is the creamy mayo tang and the fresh crunch, it turns it into a real potluck-style pasta salad.
- Rinse the pasta well so the dressing stays silky instead of getting gummy.
- If it sits overnight, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water or a little extra mayo to loosen it back up.
- For grown-ups, a pinch of crushed red pepper is really good here.
Cook's Notes
- **Make-ahead:** Stir in basil right before serving so it stays bright.
- **Texture:** Cool the pasta fully so the dressing clings instead of soaking in.
- **Kid note:** Keep cucumbers diced small for picky eaters.