Description
This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad features the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a delightful blend of flavors. With its versatile nature, it serves beautifully as a side dish or a light main course. The dressing, made with reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, adds an extra layer of deliciousness that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying salad at your next gathering or meal prep session.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie)
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil (8.5 oz)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with spinach to wilt slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped basil, diced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella pearls.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and toss with pasta salad.
- Chill for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg