Description
A vibrant and flavorful sun-dried tomato pasta salad that combines fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz. short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, etc.)
- 3 oz. baby spinach
- 10 oz. cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 jar (8.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs (oil drained)
- 1/2 red onion (small diced)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan (shaved or grated)
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chopped basil (packed)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with spinach to wilt.
- Rinse with cool water to help it cool off more quickly or allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Toss the pasta and spinach with chopped basil, diced onion, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella. If the pasta is still quite hot, wait to add the mozzarella until it cools off.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, oil from sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
- Toss 3/4 of the dressing with the pasta salad, reserving 1/4 of the dressing if waiting to serve.
- Chill the salad for about 30 minutes, then toss with the remaining dressing before serving.
Notes
For best results, add mozzarella pearls right before serving to maintain freshness. This salad can last up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, summer dish, vegetarian salad, fresh ingredients