Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful, and vibrant dish that's perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. With fresh veggies, mozzarella, and a tangy dressing made with sun-dried tomato oil, this pasta salad is packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s quick to prepare, and you can customize it with protein like grilled chicken or beans for a full meal!

Ingredients

• 16 oz short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, etc.)
  
  

• 3 oz baby spinach
  
  

• 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
  
  

• 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs (8.5 oz, oil drained)
  
  

• ½ red onion (small diced)
  
  

• ½ cup shredded parmesan (or shaved)
  
  

• 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  
  

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil (packed)
  
  

• For the Dressing:
  
  

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
    
    

  • ⅓ cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes
    
    

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (regular or white)
    
    

  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
    
    

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    
    

  • ½ tsp pepper
    
    

  • ½ tsp salt (to taste)
    
    

Directions

1. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with spinach to wilt. Rinse with cool water to cool it off quickly or let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
   
   

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped basil, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella (add the mozzarella once the pasta has cooled).
   
   

3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour ¾ of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
   
   

4. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, toss with the remaining dressing. Enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 357 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 34g
  
  

• Protein: 11g
  
  

• Fat: 20g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 4g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 10mg
  
  

• Sodium: 236mg
  
  

• Potassium: 440mg
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 2g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 979 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 22mg
  
  

• Calcium: 148mg
  
  

• Iron: 1mg