Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes – A Bowl Full of Summer Love

Name: Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 400 g short pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped

INAYA 6 hours ago

0 0 4 minutes read

Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes – A Bowl Full of Summer Love

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking. I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

When I think about Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, I feel summer on my skin and hear my grandmother’s voice telling me not to rush the sauce. I remember long afternoons in Crete when the sun felt heavy and the only thing we wanted was something cool, creamy, and comforting on the table. This Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes became one of those dishes I made again and again, especially when family dropped by without warning.

I often prepare Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes when I want a dish that feels generous without being complicated. I mix it slowly, tasting as I go, letting the cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness against the creamy dressing. This Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes feels like a hug in a bowl, and every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. I smile because I know it will travel into another kitchen, another family, another memory.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making this recipe because it never asks too much from me. I boil pasta, chop tomatoes, and stir everything together with care. I don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients. I only need time and love.

This salad works for busy days, family gatherings, and quiet lunches when I sit alone at the table with my thoughts. I enjoy how creamy pasta salad brings people together. I watch everyone scoop seconds, and I feel proud without saying a word.

I also love how flexible this recipe feels. I change herbs, adjust creaminess, and sometimes add what I already have in my fridge. This recipe forgives me, and I think every home cook needs dishes like that.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I choose ingredients that taste fresh and honest. I never rush shopping for this recipe.

My little secrets:

I salt my pasta water generously because flavor starts there.
I let the pasta cool completely before mixing, so the dressing stays creamy.
I cut cherry tomatoes just before mixing to keep them juicy.
I taste the dressing twice before adding it to the pasta.

Ingredients I always use:

Short pasta like fusilli or penne
Fresh cherry tomatoes
Creamy mayonnaise
Greek yogurt for balance
Olive oil from Crete
Garlic
Lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley
Optional grated cheese for richness

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start by boiling a big pot of water. I add salt until it tastes like the sea, just like my grandmother taught me. I cook the pasta until tender but still firm. I drain it and let it cool completely.

While the pasta cools, I cut the cherry tomatoes in halves. I smell them and smile because ripe tomatoes always remind me of summer gardens.

I prepare the dressing in a large bowl. I mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and finely minced garlic. I whisk gently until smooth and creamy. I season with salt and pepper and taste slowly.

I add the cooled pasta to the bowl and fold it gently into the dressing. I add cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs and mix again with care. I never rush this step.

I cover the bowl and let the salad rest in the fridge. The flavors come together beautifully when I give them time.

How I Serve It at Home

I serve this salad cold, straight from the fridge. I place it in a big bowl at the center of the table. I often pair it with grilled vegetables, bread, or simple roasted chicken.

When friends visit, I decorate it with extra herbs and cracked pepper. I love watching everyone dig in without waiting for permission.

This salad works as a main dish on hot days and as a side dish for gatherings. I always make more than I need because leftovers disappear quickly.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days.

I never reheat it because it tastes best cold. If it thickens after sitting, I stir in a spoon of yogurt or olive oil to refresh it.

I often make it a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, and the salad tastes even better the next day.

100-Word Short Version

I make Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes when I want comfort without effort. I mix tender pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes and a smooth, creamy dressing. This salad feels fresh, filling, and perfect for warm days. I serve it cold and share it with family and friends. It stores well and tastes even better the next day. This recipe brings summer into my kitchen and reminds me that simple food, made with love, always creates the best memories.

Recipe Card Section

Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

400 g short pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh herbs, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente and cool completely.
Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add pasta and toss gently.
Fold in cherry tomatoes and herbs.
Chill before serving.

📝 Notes
I adjust creaminess with yogurt or olive oil and always taste before serving.

🍽️ Nutrition
Comforting, creamy, filling, and perfect for sharing 💛

Conclusion

This Creamy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes always brings joy to my table. I make it when I want something easy but meaningful. I learned that food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. When I stir this salad, I feel connected to my grandmother, my island, and every woman who cooks with love. I hope this recipe finds a place in your kitchen and your heart.