Description

This Tangy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is bright, savory, and full of chewy tomatoes, tender pasta, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. The tomato oil dressing makes it taste bold without needing a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

12 oz short pasta, such as rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, or cavatappi
3 oz baby spinach
10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
1 jar sun dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs, 8.5 oz, oil drained and reserved
½ red onion, small diced
½ cup shredded Parmesan, shaved or grated also works
8 oz mozzarella pearls
⅓ cup chopped basil, packed
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup oil drained from the sun dried tomatoes
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, regular or white
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt, more or less to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just tender, then drain and rinse under cool water.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, reserved tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt until glossy.
Prep the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, chop the basil, and cut any large sun dried tomatoes into bite size pieces.
Coat the pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss well. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of that tomato oil flavor.
Finish the salad: Fold in the spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Toss gently until everything is evenly mixed.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 20 minutes if time allows, then stir and taste. Add more salt, pepper, olive oil, or balsamic as needed before serving.

Notes

For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, salami, or white beans.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Refresh chilled leftovers with a splash of olive oil or balsamic before serving.

This pasta salad does not freeze well because the tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella can turn watery.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American

Keywords: sun dried tomato pasta salad