Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that works wonderfully as a quick lunch, dinner, or side. It brings together al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach—all tossed in a vibrant balsamic herb dressing. Whether served cold or at room temperature, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 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 cheese (shaved or grated works too)

• 8 oz mozzarella pearls

• ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (or enough to make ⅔ cup with oil from tomatoes)

• 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 black pepper

• ½ tsp salt (more or less to taste)

Directions

1. Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and immediately toss with baby spinach to allow it to wilt slightly. If desired, rinse pasta with cool water to chill it faster.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta and spinach with chopped fresh basil, diced red onion, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella pearls (only after pasta has cooled).

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.

5. Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Just before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and enjoy.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 357 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Protein: 11 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g

• Cholesterol: 10 mg

• Sodium: 236 mg

• Potassium: 440 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Vitamin A: 979 IU

• Vitamin C: 22 mg

• Calcium: 148 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes Shine

Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of this salad, and for good reason. Unlike fresh tomatoes, which can be mild or watery, sun-dried tomatoes have a deeply concentrated flavor that brings a sweet, slightly tart intensity. This makes them a perfect complement to other rich or creamy ingredients like mozzarella or Parmesan.

When packed in oil with Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes also provide an extra layer of flavor that enhances the entire salad. The oil they’re stored in can be used to make a beautifully infused dressing, ensuring that no flavor goes to waste.

Moreover, sun-dried tomatoes are a good source of several essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, iron, and lycopene—an antioxidant known for its potential role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

A Versatile Dish for All Seasons

One of the key strengths of this pasta salad is its versatility. It can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, depending on the season or occasion. In summer, it’s an excellent cold dish that pairs well with grilled meats or chilled white wine. During the colder months, it can be gently warmed and served as a comforting side to roasted vegetables or protein mains.

It’s also incredibly easy to customize. You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, olives, or even arugula for an extra peppery bite. Swap mozzarella for feta if you want a tangier cheese, or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Meal prep is another area where this recipe shines. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it ideal for lunches, school meals, or meal planning. The flavors often intensify as they sit, so leftovers are just as enjoyable—if not more—than the first serving.

Health Benefits to Note

Despite its indulgent flavor, this salad is surprisingly balanced from a nutritional standpoint. It includes healthy fats from olive oil, a moderate amount of protein from cheese, and fiber-rich vegetables like spinach and tomatoes. Here’s why this matters:

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and the oil from sun-dried tomatoes contain monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and may help lower bad cholesterol.

• Vegetables: Baby spinach and cherry tomatoes contribute to your daily intake of Vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.

• Calcium & Protein: Cheese provides essential calcium and protein for bone health and muscle maintenance.

• Complex Carbohydrates: Pasta, especially when whole grain is used, delivers sustained energy thanks to its complex carbohydrates.

This balance of macronutrients makes the salad not just a delicious choice, but a smart one as well.

Perfect for Entertaining

Few dishes are as convenient and universally appealing for entertaining as a well-made pasta salad. It can be prepared ahead of time, scaled easily for large groups, and served without much fuss. You won’t have to worry about last-minute cooking or temperature control—it’s a serve-and-relax kind of recipe.

It also makes for a colorful addition to any buffet or potluck table. With its vibrant reds, greens, and whites, it looks as fresh and inviting as it tastes. Consider serving it in a large glass bowl or decorative platter to highlight its aesthetic appeal.

To further elevate the dish for special occasions, garnish with freshly cracked pepper, a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze, or additional chopped herbs like oregano or parsley. You could even offer optional toppings like toasted pine nuts or chili flakes for guests to customize their servings.

Make It Your Own

One of the best aspects of this salad is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Here are a few variation ideas to try:

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or tofu work wonderfully.

• Go vegan: Use plant-based mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether and load up on more veggies.

• Change the pasta: Try whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil-based pasta for added fiber and protein.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or chopped pepperoncini for a kick.

• Sweet twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped roasted red peppers for a sweet-savory contrast.

By experimenting with different ingredients, you can tailor this salad to suit seasonal produce or dietary needs, ensuring it never gets boring.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is satisfying enough to be a standalone meal, especially for lunch. However, it also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled or roasted meats (chicken, steak, pork tenderloin)

• Crusty bread or garlic toast

• A simple green salad or soup for a light dinner combo

• Wine: try pairing it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir

Because of its flavor-packed profile, the salad can also hold its own next to heavier entrees, balancing richness with brightness.

Conclusion

The Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a vibrant, nourishing, and deeply satisfying meal that brings the best of Mediterranean flavors to your table. From its bold and savory profile to its versatility and health benefits, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a go-to in so many households.

Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, packing a healthy lunch, or hosting a gathering, this salad is a reliable, delicious option that never goes out of style. It’s proof that with just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create something truly special—something that feeds both body and soul.

So the next time you’re looking for a fresh take on pasta salad, give this sun-dried tomato version a try. It might just become your new favorite dish.