Pasta Salads

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Name: Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice; 2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped; 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar; 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced

By Kira Fairchild · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook8 min

Total40 min

Serves6

As a child, I spent countless summer afternoons in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her prepare simple yet flavorful meals for our family. One of my favorite dishes was her tomato basil pasta salad, a classic Italian-American recipe that never fails to impress. Made with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a light vinaigrette dressing, this salad is perfect for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, including ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. You can't replicate the flavor and texture of a just-picked tomato or a sprig of basil straight from the garden. But don't worry if you don't have access to a garden - store-bought tomatoes and basil will still yield a delicious salad.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a topping for a bed of greens or a scoop of grilled chicken. And the best part? It's easy to make ahead and transport, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or barbecues.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a delicious tomato basil pasta salad, just like my grandmother used to make. From cooking the pasta to preparing the vinaigrette, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your salad turns out flavorful and refreshing.

So, let's get started! With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you'll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering tomato basil pasta salad that's sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
The salad is perfect for a crowd and can be made ahead of time.
The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese is a classic and crowd-pleasing.
The vinaigrette dressing is light and refreshing, making it a great option for a summer salad.
The recipe is versatile and can be served as a main course, side dish, or topping for a bed of greens or grilled chicken.
The salad is a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil from your garden or farmer's market.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great tomato basil pasta salad lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The acidity of the vinaigrette dressing helps to cut through the richness of the pasta, while the sweetness of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil add depth and complexity to the dish.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. By cooking the pasta al dente, we ensure that it retains a satisfying bite and texture. And by tossing the pasta with the vinaigrette dressing while it's still warm, we allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing.

Finally, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. Fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil are essential to creating a delicious and authentic tomato basil pasta salad. So, take the time to select the best ingredients you can find, and don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties of tomatoes and basil to find the ones you like best.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious tomato basil pasta salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pasta, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the salad.

When selecting tomatoes, look for ripe, flavorful varieties such as cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes. Fresh basil is also essential, so be sure to choose bright green leaves with a fragrant aroma.

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choiceChoose a pasta shape that holds onto the vinaigrette dressing well, such as bowtie or penne. I like to use a high-quality Italian pasta for the best flavor and texture.
2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halvedFresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are essential to this recipe. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, choppedFresh basil is a crucial ingredient in this recipe. Choose bright green leaves with a fragrant aroma and chop them just before using to preserve their flavor and texture.
8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, slicedFresh mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor to the salad. Look for a high-quality, artisanal mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oilA good-quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential to the vinaigrette dressing. Choose an oil with a rich, fruity flavor and a smooth texture.
2 tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegarWhite wine vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the vinaigrette dressing. Look for a high-quality vinegar with a mild flavor and a smooth texture.
1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the vinaigrette dressing. Choose a high-quality mustard with a smooth texture and a mild flavor.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the salad. Use a high-quality salt with a mild flavor and a smooth texture.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad. Use a high-quality pepper with a mild flavor and a smooth texture.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a rich, savory flavor to the vinaigrette dressing. Choose fresh, high-quality garlic with a mild flavor and a smooth texture.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with a heavy bottomColander or strainerCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette dressing.
3
Add the minced garlic to the vinaigrette dressing and whisk until well combined.
4
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vinaigrette dressing and toss to combine, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the dressing seems too thick.
5
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl with the pasta and vinaigrette dressing.
6
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese and add it to the bowl with the pasta, tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing.
7
Chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and vinaigrette dressing.
8
Toss the salad to combine, making sure that all of the ingredients are well coated with the vinaigrette dressing.
9
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Just before serving, give the salad a good toss and add any additional ingredients you like, such as a sprinkle of salt or a grind of black pepper.
11
Serve the salad at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh tomatoes and basil, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still have a bit of bite to it.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the vinaigrette dressing to the pasta while it's still warm, so that it can absorb the flavors.
Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the vinaigrette dressing, as it will add a rich, fruity flavor to the salad.
Don't overdress the salad - you want the pasta and other ingredients to still be visible and not soggy with dressing.
Consider adding other ingredients to the salad, such as grilled chicken or sliced red onion, to add protein and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland or unflavorful salad.
Not letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Adding too much vinaigrette dressing, which can make the salad soggy and unappetizing.
Not chopping the fresh basil leaves finely enough, which can result in a salad that is not well flavored.
Not using a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the vinaigrette dressing, which can result in a salad that is not flavorful or aromatic.

Variations and Substitutions

Add grilled chicken or sliced red onion to the salad for added protein and texture.
Use different types of pasta, such as bowtie or penne, to change the texture of the salad.
Add other ingredients to the salad, such as sliced bell peppers or chopped cucumber, to add flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to change the flavor of the salad.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the salad for a spicy kick.
Use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar, to change the flavor of the vinaigrette dressing.
Add some chopped fresh parsley or dill to the salad for added flavor and freshness.

What to Serve With Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

This tomato basil pasta salad is perfect for a crowd and can be served as a main course, side dish, or topping for a bed of greens or grilled chicken. Consider serving it at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Some other ideas for serving this salad include:

Grilled chicken or fishRoasted vegetablesGarlic breadGreen saladFruit salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply prepare the salad as directed, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To freeze the salad, prepare it as directed, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the salad, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then give it a good toss and add any additional ingredients you like. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the cheese to melt and the salad to become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

A pasta shape that holds onto the vinaigrette dressing well, such as bowtie or penne, is best for this salad.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil is highly recommended for this recipe, as it has a more vibrant flavor and aroma.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.

What type of cheese is best for this salad?

Fresh mozzarella cheese is highly recommended for this recipe, as it has a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, feel free to add other ingredients to this salad, such as grilled chicken or sliced red onion, to add protein and texture.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, be sure not to overdress it, and add the vinaigrette dressing just before serving. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley or dill to the salad to help absorb any excess moisture.

Can I use a different type of vinegar for the vinaigrette dressing?

Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider vinegar, to change the flavor of the vinaigrette dressing.

How do I reheat the salad?

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card