Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One sunny afternoon last summer, I found myself rummaging through my fridge, trying to whip up something quick yet comforting for my family. I spotted a punnet of bright cherry tomatoes and some leftover pasta, and an idea sparked. That’s how my Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes came to life. It’s light, flavorful, and comforting, the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. From the first bite, you’ll feel the warmth of home and the joy of sharing a simple, yet satisfying meal. I love this recipe because it’s versatile, perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a side at dinner, and it always makes my kitchen feel like a gathering place full of love.
The first time I made this salad, I remember my niece twirling her fork and exclaiming, “Marilyn, this is magic!” That moment reminded me why I cook to create food that connects us, that sparks joy, and that makes even the simplest ingredients feel special.
In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to make this creamy, dreamy pasta salad with cherry tomatoes. We’ll dive into every detail, from choosing the best pasta to creating a luscious dressing that hugs each piece with flavor.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something about a creamy pasta salad that just whispers comfort. I love how cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness against the silky, herby dressing. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal fuss, yet every bite tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Cooking this recipe makes me feel connected to my family watching them savor each mouthful reminds me that food is more than nutrition; it’s love on a plate.
I also adore how flexible this salad is. You can add roasted veggies, swap the dressing for a tangy vinaigrette, or toss in some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Yet, the classic version with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy goodness will always have my heart.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cucumber, diced
- 100g sweet corn (optional)
- 100g shredded carrots
- 150g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, to taste
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Always cook the pasta slightly al dente it will hold its shape better in the salad.
- Let the pasta cool completely before adding the dressing to avoid a watery salad.
- For extra flavor, toast the garlic in olive oil lightly before mixing it in.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- I start by boiling the pasta in salted water until just tender. Then I drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. I let it drain completely dry pasta absorbs the dressing better.
- While the pasta cools, I prep the veggies: halving cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber, shredding carrots, and draining the corn if using.
- I make the creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I always taste as I go to balance the tang and creaminess.
- In a large mixing bowl, I gently fold the cooled pasta with the veggies. Then I pour the dressing over and mix until every piece of pasta is coated.
- Finally, I add fresh herbs basil or parsley for brightness and a lovely aroma. I cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this salad in a large, colorful bowl on our kitchen table. Sometimes I sprinkle extra chopped herbs on top and a few cherry tomato halves for presentation. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, garlic bread, or even a light soup for a comforting family meal. On summer days, I take it to picnics, and it’s always a hit. Watching everyone dig in, laughing, and sharing stories while enjoying this simple salad is my favorite part of cooking.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold. Avoid reheating as it affects the creamy dressing.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pasta and dressing a day ahead and assemble the salad the next day for fresher flavors.
100-Word Short Version
My Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a quick, comforting, and family-friendly dish. Cook your pasta al dente, cool it, and mix with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and sweet corn. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for a luscious dressing. Toss pasta and veggies gently in the dressing and add fresh basil or parsley. Chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or dinner sides, this creamy pasta salad brings warmth, flavor, and smiles to your table every time.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 10 mins
- Chill: 30 mins
- Total: 55 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cucumber, diced
- 100g sweet corn (optional)
- 100g shredded carrots
- 150g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prep vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrots, drain corn.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fold pasta and veggies into the dressing until evenly coated.
- Stir in fresh herbs, cover, and chill 30 minutes. Serve cold.
📝 Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy salad.
- Let pasta cool completely before adding dressing.
- Add roasted veggies or grilled chicken for variety.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a cozy, family-friendly dish full of flavor and love. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or dinner sides, this easy recipe combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a luscious creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cucumber, diced
- 100g sweet corn (optional)
- 100g shredded carrots
- 150g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prep vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrots, drain corn.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fold pasta and veggies into the dressing until evenly coated.
- Stir in fresh herbs, cover, and chill 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy salad. Let pasta cool completely before adding dressing. Add roasted veggies or grilled chicken for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Conclusion
Making this Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes always warms my heart. It’s simple, comforting, and full of love exactly what cooking means to me. Sharing it with family and friends reminds me that food is a bridge to connection, laughter, and beautiful memories. The next time you want a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and heartwarming, this creamy pasta salad will never let you down. I promise it will become one of your family favorites too!