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+ servings

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This vibrant sun dried tomato pasta salad is bursting with flavor, minimal chopping, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz short pasta, like fusilli or rotini
  • 3 oz baby spinach
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 jar (8.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs drained, oil reserved for dressing; julienne the tomatoes
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and immediately toss with the baby spinach until the spinach wilts. Rinse under cool water to speed cooling, or let sit for 15-20 minutes until room temperature.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and spinach with the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded Parmesan, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil. If the pasta is still warm, wait to add the mozzarella until it has cooled to avoid melting.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining 1/4 of the dressing for later. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then toss with the reserved dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 12gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 380mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Notes

For best texture, cook the pasta al dente; overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed. If you add mozzarella while the pasta is hot, it may melt and lose its shape. Reserve a portion of dressing to refresh the salad after chilling, as cold pasta absorbs moisture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; if the dressing solidifies, let the salad sit out for 15 minutes before serving. This salad is not suitable for freezing. Feel free to substitute fresh mozzarella with diced provolone or feta cheese.

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