• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Lemons + Zest logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
  • Our Adoption Story
  • Privacy Policy
  • Follow me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Summer Recipes / Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad

    Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad

    Last Updated May 20, 2021. Published May 11, 2020 By Lorie 20 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Tomato basil Pasta Salad.
    Bowl of rotini pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.

    Add this Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad to your next BBQ and add lots of flavor with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and freshly shredded Parmesan. This is not your average pasta salad recipe by any means!

    Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad in white bowl.

    This recipe was originally published March 2015. The post was updated to include new copy and photos.

    No more same old, same old pasta salad.

    Pasta salad is so much more than pasta tossed in salad dressing. Don't settle for boring, super basic pasta salads when you can enjoy one bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavor.

    Between this rotini pasta salad and this Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad, there is not much else you will ever need in the department of cold pasta recipes!

    Why this pasta salad is the best:

    • It's great for meal prep. It is easy to make ahead for the week. Toss this rotini pasta salad recipe together and then eat off of it for several days.
    • Fresh summer ingredients. Fresh basil, tomatoes, and spinach--maybe even fresh from the garden? This salad is so great to enjoy when the produce is at its peak freshness.
    • So simple to prep. As easy as tossing everything into the bowl and mixing.
    • A perfect side that can easily double as a meal! This tomato basil pasta salad is a great side dish for the BBQ but it can easily make a full meal. You can even toss in some grilled chicken.

    Ingredients and Substitutions:

    • The key ingredient is the fresh basil in this pasta salad. It is the one ingredient I would not substitute if at all possible. Check out these basil storage best practices so it doesn't go bad before you are ready to make this pasta salad!
    • If you can't find mozzarella pearls, feel free to cut regular mozzarella into small pieces--that will work well too!
    • I typically use cherry tomatoes, but grape tomatoes are great as well.

    Step-by-Step Instructions:

    • Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and then toss the spinach in to wilt it slightly. (steps 1 and 2)
    • Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the tomatoes, basil, and onion and toss to combine. (steps 3 and 4)
    pasta with spinach wilting in bowl.
    • Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper. (steps 5 and 6)
    • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine and coat ingredients evenly. (steps 7 and 8)
    Dressing being added to pasta salad.
    • Add the mozzarella and parmesan and toss well. Chill for about 30 minutes if possible before serving to allow the flavors to really meld into the salad. You can even chill overnight. (steps 9 and 10)
    Mozzarella and parmesan added to recipe in mixing bowl.

    Expert Tips:

    • You can make this Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad the day before you intend to serve it. Toss it before serving with an extra drizzle or so of olive oil.
    • Feel free to use your favorite gluten free pasta for this pasta salad. Make sure to follow cooking instructions.
    Pasta salad in white bowl with serving bowls.

    What to serve with this recipe:

    • By all means: burgers! I have an amazing Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burger that would pair well with this pasta salad. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, then go with these Black Bean Burgers instead.
    • A basic, simple grilled chicken, plain and simple right on top is amazing with this as well.
    • Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken--now that is what you pair with this Tomato Basil Pasta Salad!
    • Toss some steaks on the grill to round out this pasta salad, or even some grilled salmon!
    Overhead shot of rotini pasta salad with serving spoon.

    Related recipes:

    • Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
    • Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad
    • Tomato Mozzarella Basil Skewers
    • Street Corn with Garlic Feta Butter
    • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
    • 3 Bean Cowboy Caviar
    • Simple Pasta Salad with Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all the latest!

    Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad

    Add this Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad to your next BBQ and add lots of flavor with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and freshly shredded Parmesan. This is not your average pasta salad recipe by any means!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 250kcal
    Author: Lorie Yarro

    Ingredients 

    • 8 oz. Rotini pasta
    • 2 cups baby spinach
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 10 oz. sliced cherry tomatoes
    • ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
    • ¼ cup thinly chopped red onion
    • 3 T balsamic vinegar
    • ⅓ - ½ c olive oil
    • ½ c grated parmesan romano and/or asiago cheese (optional)
    • ⅔ c mozzarella pearls
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Cook pasta according to package instructions.
    • Prep and cut all of the vegetables.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, red pepper, salt and pepper.
    • When pasta is cooked al dente, drain. Add spinach immediately and stir. This will allow the spinach to wilt a bit from the heat of the pasta. Transfer to a medium bowl.
    • Add tomatoes, basil and onion and toss to combine.
    • Pour the dressing in and stir to coat evenly.
    • Finally, add the cheeses and toss to combine.
    • Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to one hour before serving.

    Notes

    • You can make this Tomato Basil Rotini Pasta Salad the night before you intend to serve it. I suggest tossing it before serving with an extra drizzle or so of olive oil.
    • Feel free to use your favorite gluten free pasta for this pasta salad. Make sure to follow cooking instructions.
    • Have this as a side dish or toss some chicken or other protein in for a full meal!
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1105IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe? I would love to see it! Mention @LemonsAndZest or tag #LemonsAndZest!
    « Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken with Tomato and Basil
    Gluten Free Blondies »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen says

      April 23, 2022 at 3:16 pm

      Looks like a tasty salad BUT....PLEASE remove the stems from the spinach leaves. No one wants to eat those long stems. Mozzarella pearls are sold at Trader Joes

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 26, 2022 at 10:43 am

        Ha, I hear ya, but I have yet to get a complaint on this one for the stems. But you are probably right, people would prefer it that way.

        Reply
    2. Rebecca says

      April 11, 2018 at 11:34 pm

      Ohhhh yum! This looks wonderful. I will definitely have to try this recipe out.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 13, 2018 at 10:10 am

        Yay! Enjoy Rebecca!

        Reply
    3. Samantha says

      April 10, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      I absolutely love pasta salads. We eat them year round. This was has a different take on the ones I usually make and I like it!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:11 pm

        Yes, this one is a good alternative to a lot of the usuals!

        Reply
    4. Kelsey says

      April 10, 2018 at 3:25 pm

      I LOVE pasta salad! This looks so yummy and easy!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:11 pm

        Oh, then you will enjoy this one!

        Reply
    5. Erin Haugerud says

      April 10, 2018 at 12:32 pm

      Yum this looks good!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:14 pm

        Thanks so much Erin!

        Reply
    6. Brandy says

      April 10, 2018 at 11:32 am

      Sounds yummy! Pinning to try later.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:15 pm

        Love it, thanks!

        Reply
    7. ShootingStarsMag says

      April 10, 2018 at 10:46 am

      I love pasta salad! I like how you switched it up here though, so thanks for the recipe!!

      -Lauren

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 11, 2018 at 10:17 pm

        Yea, can't do the same old all the time. Enjoy Lauren!

        Reply
    8. Moushumi says

      April 10, 2018 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Wow, that's what I'm making tonight! Your recipe sounds just perfect for this gloomy old day here.

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 10, 2018 at 10:13 am

        Yes! Channeling all the sunshine I can!

        Reply
    9. Jen says

      April 10, 2018 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      This pasta salad makeover is perfection! Now I'm craving it!

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 10, 2018 at 10:13 am

        I know. I get so sick of the same old version.

        Reply
    10. Corey says

      April 10, 2018 at 7:52 am

      Looks yummy and perfect for a summer BBQ dish ?

      Reply
      • Lorie says

        April 10, 2018 at 10:13 am

        Agree!!! Thanks!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to lemons + zest!

    Hello! I’m Lorie, welcome to lemons + zest! If you love to eat, and you love delicious, simple recipes, then you are in the right place. When it comes to cooking these days, I firmly believe that if it takes too long, or too much work to make, then it’s not for me. Read More…

    30 Minute Meals

    Chicken taco casserole in white dish topped with sour cream, green onions and other toppings.

    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Teriyaki ground pork stir fry in bowl with white rice and chopsticks.

    Teriyaki Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Grilled lemon pepper chicken on white plate with lemon slices and salad.

    Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

    Pan with green chicken enchiladas topped with chopped cilantro.

    Green Chicken Enchiladas

    Skillet with chicken thighs and fresh parsley on top.

    Our Favorite 30 Minute Dinners

    Shrimp taco salad with cheese, beans, avocado, corn, onion, and other ingredients.

    Shrimp Taco Salad

    White plate with air fried chicken thighs breaded and with chopped parsley on top.

    Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Bowl with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with fresh cheddar on top and spoon in bowl.

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    More 30 Minute Recipes →

    Cozy Soups + Chili

    Easy Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

    Creamy crockpot chicken rice soup in bowl with spoon and fresh parsley.

    Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    Bowl of sweet potato chili with toppings and spoon beside.

    Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

    Tomato tortellini soup.

    Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Pot of chunky Vegetable Soup.

    Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup

    Creamy white chicken chili with cream cheese in bowl with jalapeño, fritos and cheese.

    Crockpot Creamy White Chicken Chili

    Pumpkin Quinoa Chili

    Bowl of soup with Italian sausage and gnocchi pasta with spoon.

    Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Butternut Squash White Bean Soup

    Bowl with Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with fresh cheddar on top and spoon in bowl.

    Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Copyright © 2023 · lemons + zest