Description
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
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, 8.5 oz (oil drained)
- 1/2 red onion, small diced
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan (shaved or grated)
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup chopped basil, packed
- 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 pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it immediately with the baby spinach to wilt it slightly.
- Cool the pasta: Rinse the pasta under cool water to bring down the temperature, or let it cool for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Combine ingredients: Toss the cooled pasta and wilted spinach with chopped basil, diced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes (julienned), halved cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella pearls.
- Whisk the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.
- Toss with dressing: Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine, reserving 1/4 for serving later. Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Toss remaining dressing before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for flavors to meld.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg