Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette
A refreshing cold pasta salad perfect for outdoor gatherings, featuring al dente pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy vinaigrette. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, halved, fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool; drain well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing along with 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly again.
- Step 5: Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold outdoors for a refreshing picnic side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rotini pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Outdoor Picnic Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
