Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and toss it with the baby spinach to wilt slightly.
- Rinse the pasta and spinach with cool water to help cool them off more quickly or allow them to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Toss the cooled pasta and spinach with the chopped basil, diced red onion, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan, and mozzarella pearls (if the pasta is still quite hot, wait to add the mozzarella until it cools off).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
- Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine, reserving 1/4 of the dressing if you’re waiting to serve.
- Chill the pasta salad for about 30 minutes, then toss with the remaining dressing right before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made a day in advance; just hold off on adding the mozzarella until serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg