Total time: 26 min • Prep: 16 min • Cook: 10 min • Serves: 6 • Difficulty: Easy

This is not your typical deli-style pasta salad. This much brighter-tasting and colorful version features fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onions and carrots for crunch. The simple yet creamy dressing is made with just mayonnaise and red wine vinegar, then seasoned with some salt and pepper—and that's it! This recipe tastes best when it's freshly made, but if you would like to prepare it ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate and toss shortly before serving. It’s also very important to use nice ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Diced beefsteak or halved grape tomatoes can be substituted for plum tomatoes if they aren’t beautifully ripe.