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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

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A vibrant, hearty salad brimming with fresh ingredients and sun-dried tomatoes, capturing the essence of summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz. Short Pasta (e.g., rigatoni, rotini, bow tie)
  • 3 oz. Baby Spinach
  • 10 oz. Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 Jar of Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil with Italian Herbs (about 8.5 oz. drained)
  • ½ Red Onion (small diced)
  • ½ Cup Shredded Parmesan
  • 8 oz. Mozzarella Pearls
  • ⅓ Cup Chopped Basil (packed)
  • ⅓ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ⅓ Cup Oil Drained from Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 2 T 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prep Your Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, baby spinach, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the drained sun-dried tomato oil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture, then add mozzarella pearls and chopped basil. Toss gently until coated.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the flavors if needed.
  7. Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving or serve immediately.

Notes

This salad tastes better the day after as the flavors meld together wonderfully. It’s very forgiving, so feel free to adjust based on available ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, vegetarian, Mediterranean, summer salad

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