1. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad combines a medley of fresh vegetables with classic Italian flavors. Perfect for picnics or potlucks!
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and red onion. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.
2. Caprese Pasta Salad
This fresh and flavorful caprese pasta salad is a delightful twist on the traditional caprese salad, featuring pasta and fresh tomatoes.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with salt and toss gently. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad is packed with flavor and health benefits, making it a great addition to any meal.
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook fusilli pasta according to package directions and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate before serving.
4. Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes
Bright and flavorful, this pesto pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings and features the richness of fresh tomatoes.
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with cherry tomatoes, pesto sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
5. Southwest Pasta Salad
This colorful and zesty southwest pasta salad is bursting with bold flavors and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime vinaigrette
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. In a bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell pepper, and cilantro. In a separate container, mix lime vinaigrette, cumin, and salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Chill before serving.
6. Garlic Tomato Pasta Salad
This garlic-infused tomato pasta salad is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of fresh tomatoes.
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and allow to cool. In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss to combine. Fold in fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
7. Italian Sub Pasta Salad
Inspired by the classic Italian sub, this pasta salad includes all the favorite ingredients in one delicious dish.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Olives for garnish (optional)
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, salami, ham, cherry tomatoes, provolone cheese, and red onion. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine. Garnish with olives if desired and chill before serving.
8. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
This creamy tomato basil pasta salad brings together the richness of a creamy dressing with the freshness of tomatoes and basil.
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad and mix well. Chill before serving.
9. Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad
This refreshing spinach and tomato pasta salad is packed with nutrients and makes a lovely side dish for any meal.
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine. Top with feta cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.
10. Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
This roasted vegetable pasta salad combines the flavors of roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, making it a hearty option.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Combine the pasta with roasted vegetables in a large bowl. Toss and serve warm or at room temperature.
These pasta salad recipes with tomato not only serve as great side dishes but can also be the highlight of any meal. Here are some additional recipes that incorporate the fresh and flavorful essence of tomatoes.
11. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with flavors from olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings.
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp oregano
Cook farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat. Chill before serving.
12. Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese pasta salad takes the classic Caprese salad and transforms it into a filling dish perfect for picnics.
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, mix together the spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve immediately or chill for later.
13. Pesto Tomato Pasta Salad
This pesto tomato pasta salad is a vibrant dish that combines the richness of pesto with the freshness of tomatoes.
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Toss until well coated. Top with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
14. Taco Pasta Salad
This taco pasta salad is a fun twist, combining all your favorite taco toppings with pasta and tomatoes for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup taco sauce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco sauce. Gently fold in the diced avocado and cilantro. Chill before serving for the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
Pasta salads with tomatoes offer a delightful and versatile option for any meal, combining freshness and flavor in every bite. With these 10 delicious recipes, you can easily elevate your culinary repertoire and impress your family and friends.
Whether you prefer a classic Italian style or a more adventurous twist, there’s a tomato pasta salad to suit every palate. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and make them your own!