Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
A vibrant and zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz. short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, or bow tie)
3 oz. baby spinach
10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 jar (8.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs, drained (reserve oil)
1/2 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
8 oz. mozzarella pearls
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
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 black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions in salted water.
- Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the baby spinach in a large bowl to allow the heat to wilt the leaves.
- Rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and let it cool completely for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the chopped basil, red onion, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan to the pasta and spinach mixture.
- If the pasta is fully cooled, fold in the mozzarella pearls.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, toss with the remaining dressing to refresh the flavors.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- If the salad seems dry the next day, add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
- Ensure pasta is completely cooled before adding mozzarella to keep the cheese pearls intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Find it online: https://prepmealkitchen.com/sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad/