Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of our Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold tastes. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light meal, this salad features a colorful mix of sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and creamy mozzarella. Made in under 30 minutes, it’s an effortless dish that impresses at any gathering. The reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes infuses the dressing with a rich depth, while fresh basil and cherry tomatoes add a refreshing crunch. Enjoy its versatility as a side dish or main course—this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, etc.)
- 3 oz. baby spinach
- 10 oz. cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs, 8.5 oz (oil drained)
- 1/2 red onion (small diced)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan (shaved or grated will work)
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chopped basil (packed)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with spinach to wilt slightly; cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with basil, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together; toss with ¾ of the dressing and reserve ¼ for later.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving; toss with remaining dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg