This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of tangy, creamy, and savory. Each forkful brings together al dente pasta, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp red onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes, finished off with mozzarella pearls and fresh basil. The creamy dressing adds richness without being too heavy, making it ideal for warm-weather meals.
Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, prepping lunch for the week, or just craving something deliciously easy, this salad has you covered. It’s a breeze to make, packs incredible flavor, and can be customized with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients. This is the kind of dish that turns pasta into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing star.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
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1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella pearls, olives, and basil.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss until well coated.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Classic Reimagined
There’s something undeniably comforting about pasta salad, especially when it’s infused with the bold, tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad brings together everything we love about Mediterranean flavors robust, herbaceous, slightly tangy, and fresh all in one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
What makes this pasta salad truly shine is its balance of flavors and textures. The sun-dried tomatoes lend a chewy, concentrated burst of umami and sweetness, while the fresh vegetables like red onion and cucumber provide a cool crunch that contrasts beautifully with the pasta’s tender bite. Feta cheese crumbles add a creamy, tangy depth, and fresh parsley offers a vibrant finish. Drizzled with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this salad becomes more than just a side dish it’s a main attraction.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This salad checks all the boxes for what makes a great dish: it’s simple, fast, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, packing lunch for work, or looking for a meatless dinner idea, this recipe delivers. It’s vegetarian-friendly, easily customizable, and can even be made gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free pasta.
It also travels incredibly well. Unlike salads with leafy greens that can wilt after a few hours, this pasta salad stays crisp and flavorful, making it a great option for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep for the week. Even better, the flavors intensify as it sits, so it’s just as good if not better the next day.
A Mediterranean Flavor Journey
At the heart of this dish is the sun-dried tomato a humble ingredient that packs a major punch. Sun-dried tomatoes are simply ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated to preserve them. The result is a deep, concentrated tomato flavor that is slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and entirely delicious. When rehydrated slightly by a vinaigrette or oil, they become tender and chewy, adding an almost meaty texture to the dish.
The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, and this dish aligns beautifully with that philosophy. Olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and moderate dairy (like feta) form the backbone of many Mediterranean recipes, making this pasta salad both nourishing and satisfying. The use of simple, whole ingredients ensures that you’re feeding your body well while treating your tastebuds.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this pasta salad is how adaptable it is. You can easily make it your own based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Protein boost: Want to make it more filling? Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna. Each of these options pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flavors already present.
Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, spinach, or kalamata olives. These extras not only add more nutrients but also elevate the visual appeal of the salad.
Make it dairy-free: Skip the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative to make the dish vegan without sacrificing flavor.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa can add a subtle (or bold) heat, depending on your preference.
Fresh herbs galore: Don’t stop at parsley try basil, dill, or mint to add a whole new dimension of freshness.
Make-Ahead Magic
This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Not only does it hold up well in the fridge, but it actually gets better over time. As the salad chills, the vinaigrette works its way into the pasta, and the herbs and spices deepen in flavor. It can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container, which makes it perfect for busy weeks or planning ahead for a gathering.
It’s also highly portable. If you’re headed to a picnic or beach day, simply pack it in a cooler and serve it cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat or fuss just a quick toss before serving and you’re ready to go.
Perfect Pairings
While this salad can easily stand on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes:
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Grilled meats or seafood: Think grilled chicken skewers, lamb chops, or lemon-herb salmon.
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Flatbreads and dips: Serve alongside warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush.
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Soups: Try it with a chilled gazpacho or a light vegetable soup for a complete meal.
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Wines: Pair with a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, a dry rosé, or even a light red like Pinot Noir for a refreshing culinary experience.
Hosting with Style
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a favorite for entertaining because it’s as visually stunning as it is tasty. The vibrant reds of the tomatoes, the flecks of green parsley, and the creamy white feta create a gorgeous mosaic of colors that looks beautiful on any table. Serve it in a large white bowl with a sprig of fresh herbs on top, and it’ll look like it came from a gourmet deli.
You can double or triple the recipe depending on your guest list, and because it doesn’t require constant attention like hot dishes, you can actually enjoy your party rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
In addition to being delicious and easy to prepare, this dish offers several health benefits. Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is known for its heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumbers and onions provide hydration and dietary fiber, while olive oil brings in healthy fats that support brain and heart health.
By incorporating more plant-based meals like this one into your diet, you’re not only reducing your intake of processed foods, but you’re also boosting your intake of vitamins, minerals, and heart-friendly nutrients.
A Favorite for All Seasons
While this salad feels right at home during the summer months, it’s also great year-round. In the fall, you can use whole wheat pasta and add roasted squash or pumpkin seeds for an autumnal twist. In winter, try warming it up slightly and adding sautéed kale or warm chickpeas. In spring, embrace herbs like dill and mint for a burst of freshness.
This is a rare recipe that adapts well to the seasons, your mood, and your pantry and always delivers big flavor.
Conclusion:
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a delicious, versatile, and wholesome recipe that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a gathering, this dish has you covered. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to solution for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Packed with bold Mediterranean ingredients and dressed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette, this pasta salad reminds us that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Every bite offers a mix of texture, color, and taste that will leave you and your guests coming back for more.
So go ahead, whip up a bowl, and savor the rich, sun-kissed flavors of this Mediterranean classic!