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Bowl of basil pasta salad in a white bowl. Two wooden spoons are set in the left of the bowl.

Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy to make pasta salad has a creamy basil-garlic dressing. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats to customize the salad
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise, plus more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pasta Salad

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • ½ small red onion, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place garlic cloves and basil leaves in the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until the pasta is cool.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, olives, and chicken breast. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the basil dressing. Stir gently until all the pasta is coated. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving. If the pasta is dry, stir in a tablespoon of additional mayonnaise before serving.

  5. Store the leftover pasta salad in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Recipe Notes

Add-In Suggestions

Vegetables

  • Tomatoes
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Fresh bell pepper strips
  • Peas
  • Cucumbers
  • Marinated mushrooms
  • Red Onion
  • Scallions (green onions)

Cheese

  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Feta
  • Shredded parmesan
  • Ricotta salata

Meats

  • Cooked chicken breast.
  • Genoa or hard salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Ham