Name: Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked pasta (any shape); ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp pasta seasoning blend (Mediterranean-style); 1 cup packed spinach, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 5 sun-dried tomatoes, minced; ½ red onion, minced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup shredded parmesan; 200 g bocconcini, drained; ¼ cup fresh basil, minced

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Short Description

A flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad loaded with spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bocconcini, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic-olive oil dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this pasta salad because:

It’s vibrant, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
The combination of bocconcini and parmesan adds creamy richness and cheesy depth.
Easy to assemble, perfect for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or light dinners.
Best served chilled or at room temperature, making it great for picnics or warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

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

4 cups cooked pasta (your choice of shape)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp sun‑dried tomato oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp pasta seasoning blend (e.g. Mediterranean-style)
1 cup packed spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5 sun‑dried tomatoes, minced
½ red onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup shredded parmesan
200 g bocconcini, drained
¼ cup fresh basil, minced

Directions

Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Prep Ingredients
Chop spinach, halve cherry tomatoes, mince sun‑dried tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and shred parmesan. Drain bocconcini and mince basil.
Make Dressing And Toss Pasta
Pour olive oil, sun‑dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning blend over the warm pasta. Toss thoroughly so the sauce coats each piece.
Combine Salad
Add chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun‑dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, parmesan, bocconcini, and basil to the pasta. Stir until evenly distributed.
Serve
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Approximately 4–6 servings, depending on portion size
Prep Time: ~15 minutes for chopping and dressing
Cook Time: ~10 minutes to boil pasta
Total Time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

Add grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts.
Swap bocconcini for cubed mozzarella or feta for a different flavor profile.
Stir in olives (Kalamata or green) for briny richness.
Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Use lemon zest or juice in the dressing to brighten the flavors further.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
No reheating necessary—serve cold or at room temperature. Before serving, gently stir the salad to redistribute dressing and fresh ingredients.

FAQs

What Type Of Pasta Works Best For This Salad?

Medium-shaped pastas like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing and mix-ins nicely.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Sun‑Dried?

Yes—fresh diced tomatoes work, though they’re milder and less intense. Keep some sun‑dried for flavor depth.

Is The Bocconcini Necessary?

No—it adds creamy texture. You can substitute mozzarella, feta, or omit for a lighter salad.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes—prepare the salad a few hours before serving. Hold off on adding basil and dress the final mix shortly before serving for freshness.

Is It Suitable For Meal Prep?

Absolutely. Pack into individual containers for lunch, keeping moisture-sensitive ingredients like basil separate until serving.

Can I Make It Vegan?

Yes. Use plant-based cheese or omit cheese entirely. Ensure your seasoning blend and oils are vegan-friendly.

How Tangy Is The Balsamic Dressing?

Moderately tangy—balanced by olive oil and sweetness from the sun-dried tomato oil. Adjust vinegar amount to taste if desired.

Can I Use Pesto Instead Of Balsamic Vinegar?

You can replace the dressing with pesto for an alternate flavor—just reduce additional oil to balance moisture.

Is This Salad Gluten-Free?

It can be. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Does The Spinach Wilt Quickly?

Fresh spinach may soften over time, but the salad holds well if stored properly. Add spinach closer to serving if preparing ahead for crispness.

Conclusion

This sun‑dried tomato pasta salad is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish with bright flavors and satisfying textures. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, lunches, or weeknight dinners. Enjoy the bold tang of balsamic, the creaminess of bocconcini, and the freshness of basil in every bite.

Ezabella

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad