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Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

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A vibrant Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, featuring a delightful mix of fresh ingredients.

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 (about 8.5 oz. oil drained)
  • ½ red onion (small diced)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan (shaved or grated works too)
  • 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
  • ⅓ cup chopped basil (packed)
  • 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 (more or less to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  2. Prepare Sun-Dried Tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, grab your jar of sun-dried tomatoes. Drain the oil and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Ingredients: Dice your red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the basil and baby spinach.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil (both types), balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt. Whisk until emulsified.
  5. Combine the Salad: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water. Add to the bowl with the dressing while still warm.
  6. Toss in the Veggies: Add in the baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Toss gently.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Enjoy it within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, sun dried tomatoes, summer recipe, vegetarian salad, Italian cuisine

Find it online: https://sweetladle.com/minute-sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad-weeknight-meals/