Basil-Kissed Cavatappi Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes & Kale

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

This pasta salad is a vibrant medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that feels just as fancy as it does comforting. Perfect for lunch, a picnic, or an easy weeknight side dish!

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I love pasta salads because they’re versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold. This one combines hearty cavatappi (because the curly shape holds the dressing perfectly), a garlicky basil oil, and sundried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Add a handful of kale for a nutrient-packed crunch and finish it all with salty feta and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan. You’ll find this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to prep on a Sunday and eat all week. Trust me, it gets even better the next day!

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 6 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 375

12 oz cavatappi pasta
3 tbsp basil oil (store-bought or homemade)
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or dry, your choice!)
3 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.

Step 2

Prepare the kale: While the pasta cooks, massage the chopped kale with a drizzle of basil oil and a pinch of salt to soften it. This will make it more tender and flavorful.

Step 3

Make the dressing: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp of basil oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4

Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, kale, sundried tomatoes, and sautéed garlic. Drizzle with the remaining basil oil and toss to coat.

Step 5

Add the cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta and shredded parmesan. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6

Chill or serve: You can serve this pasta salad immediately, slightly warm, or let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.