Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that screams freshness and flavor, you’ve got to try my Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing! This salad is like a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate. I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic, and everyone went wild for it—seriously, it vanished in minutes! The combination of chewy pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta is just heavenly. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for any gathering or even just a cozy dinner at home. Trust me, once you’ve tried this salad, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection!

Ingredients List

• 8 oz of pasta (I love using rotini or penne for that perfect bite!)
• 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (you can use the oil-packed ones for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup of sliced olives (Kalamata or green work beautifully)
• 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese (because who doesn’t love a bit of creaminess?)
• 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes (they add such a lovely pop of color and sweetness!)
• 1/4 cup of diced red onion (for that nice crunch and zing)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for this salad)
• 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar (adds a tangy kick that balances everything out)
• 1 tsp of garlic powder (you could use fresh garlic too, if you like it bold!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)

How to Prepare Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, let’s get that pasta cooked! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—trust me, this step is key for flavor. Once it’s bubbling, add in your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. You want it to be firm but not crunchy; it’ll soak up the dressing later, so don’t overdo it! Once done, drain the pasta and let it cool for a bit. Rinse it under cold water if you want to speed up the cooling process.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

Now that your pasta is ready, it’s time for the fun part—combining everything! In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Make sure everything is evenly distributed; every bite should be packed with flavor! I like to use my hands for this part; it’s easier to mix everything up and get to know your salad!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

For the dressing, grab a separate bowl and whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I always taste as I go, adjusting the seasoning to my liking—don’t be afraid to add a little more vinegar or a dash of salt if you feel it needs it! Once it’s well-mixed, you’ll have a delicious dressing that’s ready to bring your salad to life!

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Finally, pour that vibrant dressing over your pasta salad and give everything a good toss to combine. Make sure every piece of pasta and veggie gets coated in that sun-dried tomato goodness! Now, here’s a little secret: for the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle and develop—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing not only tastes amazing, but it’s also a pretty balanced option for a meal or side dish. Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check your packages for precise information. But no matter the numbers, I promise you’ll feel great digging into this delicious salad!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish:

• Don’t skip the salt in the pasta water! It really enhances the flavor of the pasta itself, making a big difference in the final salad.
• If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to swap it out for goat cheese or even mozzarella for a different twist!
• Want a little crunch? Add some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds right before serving. It adds an amazing texture!
• Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even artichoke hearts can add a delightful twist.
• If you’re making this salad ahead of time, just hold off on adding the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
• And here’s a little secret: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten up all those flavors even more!

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy salad making!

Variations on Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

If you’re like me and love to switch things up in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat with these variations on my Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing! There are so many fun directions you can take this salad, and I can’t wait to share a few of my favorites:

• Italian Twist: Add some sliced pepperoni or salami for a meaty addition that amps up the flavor! You could even toss in some fresh basil for that classic Italian vibe.
• Veggie Delight: Go all out with veggies! Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even some steamed asparagus can add a lovely crunch and freshness. Just make sure to season them well!
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, throw in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It adds an exciting kick that pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes!
• Greek Style: Swap out the feta for crumbled goat cheese and add some artichoke hearts and fresh parsley. It’ll give your salad a distinct Mediterranean twist that’s oh-so-delicious!
• Pesto Perfection: Instead of the sun-dried tomato dressing, use a homemade or store-bought pesto. It adds a vibrant green color and a fragrant herby flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, mix in some grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s a fantastic way to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas; the possibilities are endless! I love getting creative and making this salad my own. Enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about keeping your delicious Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing fresh! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), here’s how to store them properly:

• First off, make sure to transfer any leftover salad into an airtight container. This helps keep all those flavors intact and prevents it from drying out.
• Store the salad in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. I recommend enjoying it within that timeframe for the best taste and texture!
• If you plan to make it ahead of time, you can prepare everything except the dressing. Just mix in the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

As for reheating, this salad is best served cold, so I’d suggest enjoying it straight from the fridge. However, if you want to warm it up a bit, you can gently heat individual portions in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it; nobody likes mushy pasta!

And remember, if you’ve added any protein like chicken or shrimp, it’s perfectly safe to reheat those as well, just make sure they’re heated through. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing is perfect for making a day in advance. Just prepare everything and mix in the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and delicious!

What kind of pasta works best?

I love using rotini or penne because they hold onto the dressing and all those tasty bits really well. But honestly, you can use any pasta shape you like—just make sure it’s something that can grab onto the dressing!

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Definitely! The beauty of this salad is its versatility. Feel free to throw in bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some steamed broccoli for extra color and crunch. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to balance the flavors with your dressing!

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you can, to maintain the salad’s freshness!

Can I use a different dressing?

Of course! While the sun-dried tomato dressing is fantastic, you can easily swap it for a vinaigrette or even pesto if you’re in the mood for something different. Just adjust the flavors to your liking!

For more information on the health benefits of Mediterranean diets, check out this Healthline article.

For tips on how to choose the best pasta for your dishes, visit this Kitchn guide.

Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing: 7 Fresh Flavors

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing pasta salad with a flavorful sun-dried tomato dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Adjust dressing ingredients to taste.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
• This salad can be made a day in advance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Pasta Salad, Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing