Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a flavorful, vibrant dish that combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with the freshness of vegetables and the heartiness of pasta. With a zesty dressing and the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish to any meal. It’s quick to prepare and tastes even better after chilling!

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work best)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil (preferably the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil.
4. Toss with Dressing:
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again. You can refrigerate the pasta salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but it’s also delicious served immediately.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time (optional): 30 minutes
Total time: about 25 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Substitute the Parmesan with mozzarella or feta cheese for a different flavor.
Include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair.
For a creamy version, add a few tablespoons of mayo or sour cream to the dressing.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best enjoyed cold, and the flavors tend to improve as it sits in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can, but sun-dried tomatoes add a much richer, more concentrated flavor that’s key to this salad. Fresh tomatoes will work, but the flavor won’t be as intense.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing and ingredients better.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. The flavors will have more time to meld, making it even more delicious.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How can I make this salad more flavorful?
Add more sun-dried tomatoes, adjust the vinegar, or use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a perfect, easy-to-make dish full of bold, savory flavors that everyone will love. With a simple dressing and the delicious combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and pasta, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal. It’s refreshing, versatile, and full of flavor!

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