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Garlic Lovers Pasta Salad | Creamy Easy Summer Side Dish

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If you’re a garlic lover, this pasta salad is about to become your go-to recipe.

It’s creamy, packed with bold garlic flavor, and completely different from your typical mayo-heavy pasta salad. Instead, this version uses ricotta and a touch of sour cream for a lighter, velvety texture that still feels rich and satisfying.

If you love Pasta Salads, You’ll want to check out The Ultimate Guide to Pasta Salads | Easy Recipes for Every Occasion – First Home Love Life.

Garlic lovers pasta salad in a large white bowl on a marble counter with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and creamy dressing
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Whether you’re heading to a summer BBQ, potluck, or just need an easy side dish for dinner, this garlic lovers pasta salad is one people always come back for seconds (and thirds).

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Pasta Salad

  • No mayonnaise (perfect for people who don’t love mayo-based salads)
  • Loaded with fresh garlic flavor
  • Creamy but still light and fresh
  • Easy to customize with whatever veggies you have
  • Delicious warm OR cold

Browse all my easy side dishes while you’re here.

Flat lay of ingredients for garlic lovers pasta salad including rotini pasta, ricotta, parmesan, garlic, tomatoes, red onion, basil, lemon, and olive oil on a marble counter
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta (rotini, elbows, or rigatoni work best)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more if you LOVE garlic)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 cups fresh vegetables (tomatoes, red onion, basil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: poppy seeds for garnish
Garlic lovers pasta salad ingredients in a large white bowl before mixing with pasta, ricotta, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, lemon zest, and garlic on a marble counter
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How to Make Garlic Lovers Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.

2. Prep the Vegetables

Chop tomatoes, onion, and fresh herbs into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Dressing

In a bowl, mix:

  • Ricotta
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan
  • Garlic
  • Lemon zest

Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything

Add pasta and vegetables to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over top and toss until evenly coated.

5. Season and Finish

Add salt and pepper to taste. If needed, drizzle in a little olive oil to loosen the sauce.

6. Serve

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

Try These Garlic Forward Recipes Next

Tips for the Best Garlic Pasta Salad

  • Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor (this is a garlic lover’s recipe after all)
  • Let it sit for 30–60 minutes before serving so flavors meld
  • Add grilled chicken for a full meal
  • Toss again before serving if refrigerated

Variations & Add-Ins

Make this recipe your own:

  • Add mozzarella pearls or feta
  • Toss in spinach or arugula
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon
  • Swap basil for parsley or dill
  • Add roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper flavor

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

This pasta salad actually tastes even better the next day as the garlic flavor develops.

What to Serve With Garlic Pasta Salad

This pairs perfectly with:

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Garlic lovers pasta salad in a large white bowl on a marble counter with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and creamy dressing
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Garlic Lovers Pasta Salad (Creamy No Mayo Pasta Salad)

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  • Author: Chrissi | firsthomelovelife.com
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 SERVINGS 1x
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Description

This garlic lovers pasta salad is creamy, flavorful, and made without mayo using ricotta, parmesan, and fresh garlic. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, and easy side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, to loosen)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
  • While pasta cooks, chop tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, parmesan, garlic, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
  • Add cooked pasta and chopped vegetables to a large bowl.
  • Spoon the garlic ricotta dressing over the pasta.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Let the pasta salad sit for 30–60 minutes for best flavor
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make it a full meal
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Toss again before serving if chilled
  • Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
  • Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag me @ihearthomesteading! I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better after chilling for a few hours.

Can I make it without dairy?

You can swap the ricotta and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, though flavor will change slightly.

Is this served warm or cold?

Both! It tastes great either way, but slightly chilled is best.

More Pasta Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Final Thought

If you’re tired of the same old pasta salads, this garlic lovers pasta salad is a game changer. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to throw together.

This is the kind of dish people remember—and ask you for the recipe every time.

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