Name: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie); 3 oz baby spinach; 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved); 8.5 oz jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil; 1/2 red onion (diced); 1/2 cup shredded parmesan; 8 oz mozzarella pearls; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

Description

This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a delightful, vibrant dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a light dinner, or simply enjoying a meal prep option for the week, this salad is quick to whip up in under 30 minutes. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella creates a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Drizzled with a zesty dressing made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar, each bite is bursting with flavor. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for an extra nutritional boost. This crowd-pleaser is sure to impress friends and family alike!

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie)
3 oz baby spinach
10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
8.5 oz jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/2 red onion (diced)
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
8 oz mozzarella pearls
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with baby spinach until wilted. Cool for about 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and spinach with basil, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella.
Whisk together olive oil, reserved tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Toss the pasta salad with about three-quarters of the dressing; chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add remaining dressing just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg