Garlic Lovers Pasta Salad (Creamy No Mayo Pasta Salad)
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.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
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
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/garlic-lovers-pasta-salad/