This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad combines the bright acidity of cherry tomatoes and the rich, tangy bite of sun-dried tomatoes with fresh Mediterranean herbs and creamy feta cheese. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar ties it all together with a perfect balance of flavors.
Ideal for warm weather dining or as a make-ahead meal for gatherings, this salad brings vibrant color and freshness to your plate. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled meats or stands proudly on its own as a light, satisfying vegetarian option.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz (225g) fusilli or rotini pasta
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
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1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
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Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, fresh basil, and parsley.
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Sprinkle the crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts over the salad and gently mix just before serving.
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Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Bursting with Flavor: A Deep Dive into the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
When it comes to summer side dishes or easy lunches that tick all the boxes healthy, quick, delicious, and versatile the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad stands out as a top-tier option. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is more than just a simple pasta salad; it’s a vibrant, refreshing, and customizable meal that fits effortlessly into a variety of diets and occasions.
Whether you’re preparing it for a casual barbecue, meal prepping for a busy week, or simply craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, this pasta salad is the epitome of summer freshness. Let’s unpack what makes this recipe so special and how you can make it your own.
The Appeal of Simplicity
At its core, this sun-dried tomato pasta salad thrives on simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it showcases how a thoughtfully curated mix can produce incredible flavor. The brilliance lies in its ease: minimal prep, under 20 minutes from start to finish, and no exotic ingredients needed. It’s a perfect example of how everyday pantry staples can come together to create a gourmet-level experience.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you each component has a role in the overall flavor balance. From the sweet acidity of cherry tomatoes to the umami-packed sun-dried tomatoes, and the peppery freshness of spinach, this dish layers textures and tastes effortlessly.
Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are a star ingredient here, and for good reason. They bring an intense depth of flavor that fresh tomatoes alone can’t replicate. The oil they’re packed in isn’t wasted either instead, it becomes a core part of the homemade dressing, infusing the entire dish with a savory, herbaceous edge.
Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar is a clever technique that adds extra dimension without additional steps. It’s a small detail that elevates the final product and showcases the recipe creator’s emphasis on flavor-first efficiency.
Versatility is Key
One of the standout features of this salad is its versatility. While the original version includes spinach and cherry tomatoes, the recipe is presented as a flexible template. You’re encouraged to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Here are a few suggested customizations that align with different flavor profiles or nutritional goals:
Caprese Style
Add fresh mozzarella balls, substitute spinach with fragrant basil, and drizzle with a store-bought balsamic glaze for a nod to Italy’s beloved Caprese salad.
Mediterranean Flair
Incorporate crumbled feta, sliced Kalamata olives, and marinated artichoke hearts to lean deeper into Mediterranean flavors.
Goat Cheese Twist
Crumbled goat cheese offers a tangy, creamy contrast to the chewy sun-dried tomatoes and soft pasta.
Crunch Factor
Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a crunchy texture and an extra dose of healthy fats.
Protein-Packed
Turn it into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, tuna, shrimp, or plant-based options like white beans or chickpeas.
This modular nature makes it ideal for families with varied dietary preferences or anyone looking to avoid food waste by using what’s already in the fridge.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
This salad isn’t just great fresh it holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. Because the dressing is oil- and vinegar-based rather than mayo-based, it won’t separate or spoil quickly. The ingredients retain their integrity and flavor over several days, making it a reliable option for lunches, quick dinners, or even road trip meals.
This make-ahead quality is a game-changer for busy people who want to eat well but don’t have time to cook from scratch every day. It also means you can confidently serve it at gatherings or picnics without worrying about spoilage in warm weather.
Diet-Friendly and Inclusive
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this dish is naturally dairy-free and easily adapted to be gluten-free. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free small-shaped pasta and you’re set. The dressing uses no mayonnaise, making it lighter and suitable for more restrictive diets.
And yet, despite these accommodations, the salad is deeply satisfying. The balance of carbohydrates, fiber-rich vegetables, and the option to add protein ensures that it can function as a complete meal or a substantial side dish.
Time-Saving Techniques
One of the most useful aspects of the recipe is the time-saving approach to preparation. While the pasta cooks, you can assemble the dressing and chop the vegetables. Once the pasta is done, it’s immediately coated with the flavorful dressing while still warm allowing it to absorb the seasonings more fully.
This method not only reduces prep time but also enhances flavor penetration, giving the pasta salad a more cohesive and seasoned taste throughout.
A Recipe That Grows with You
Another subtle strength of this recipe is its longevity. It’s not just a one-off dish it’s a foundational recipe that can grow with your evolving taste preferences or cooking skill level. As you gain confidence, you might experiment with homemade sun-dried tomatoes, infused oils, or adding gourmet touches like capers or roasted red peppers.
Over time, you’ll likely find yourself returning to it again and again sometimes as is, other times with your own personal twist. That’s the beauty of well-designed, flexible recipes: they become part of your culinary repertoire.
Community-Backed and Kid-Approved
The comment section on the original blog post confirms that this recipe isn’t just a hit with adults it’s kid-approved too. One reviewer notes that both of her children devoured it, and praised its flavor-packed ease. In the world of picky eaters, that’s no small feat.
This kind of feedback reinforces the recipe’s broad appeal and reliability. It’s not just “blog food” it’s real food that works for real families, in real kitchens.
Conclusion: A Mediterranean Classic for the Modern Kitchen
In summary, the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Saladmore than just another pasta dish. It represents a thoughtful balance between health, flavor, and convenience. With its short ingredient list, quick prep time, and numerous customization options, it’s a perfect example of what modern home cooking should be: delicious, flexible, and fuss-free.
Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, a vibrant barbecue side, or a make-ahead meal that doesn’t disappoint, this Mediterranean-inspired salad checks every box. It honors the power of simple ingredients and smart techniques to create something that feels both gourmet and grounded.