Name: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, etc.); 3 oz. baby spinach; 10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, small diced; ⅓ cup chopped basil, packed; 8.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs, oil drained and tomatoes julienned; ½ cup shredded parmesan (shaved or grated); 8 oz. mozzarella pearls; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (or enough to make ⅔ cup combined with oil from sun-dried 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 (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Bursting with colorful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls, every bite offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. The al dente pasta combined with a luscious herb-infused dressing makes it an ideal dish for summer lunches, potlucks, or any occasion calling for a crowd-pleasing salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the right side is filled with bright green spinach leaves, with their smooth textures and distinct veins visible. Below it, a white bowl holds shiny, halved cherry tomatoes with a mix of deep red and orange colors. Another white bowl in the upper left contains dark red sun-dried tomatoes, with a wrinkled texture. On the bottom left, a white bowl contains yellow curly pasta, its small pieces densely packed together. To the left of the pasta, a bowl of small white mozzarella balls is placed. Small white bowls and cups filled with finely shredded yellow cheese, chopped purple-red onions, dried green herbs, and dark balsamic vinegar sit scattered between the main bowls. Small piles of minced garlic and a glass bottle of light yellow olive oil add more texture and color contrast around all the bowls. Two salt and pepper shakers are also visible near the right side. The overall setting is bright and colorful, highlighting the fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This salad relies on ingredients that are simple yet essential, each contributing unique textures and bold flavors that come together harmoniously. From the tender pasta that forms the heart of the dish to the rich, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil that bring vibrant color and herby notes, these elements combine to elevate this recipe to something truly special.

12 oz. short pasta (rigatoni, rotini, bow tie, etc.): Choose pasta shapes that will hold onto the dressing beautifully.
3 oz. baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy backdrop and wilts gently with warm pasta.
10 oz. cherry tomatoes (halved): Bright, juicy pops of sweetness in every bite.
1 Jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil with Italian herbs, 8.5 oz (oil drained): The star ingredient that infuses the salad with concentrated, savory depth.
½ red onion (small diced): Adds a gentle, crisp bite and a touch of sharpness for balance.
½ cup shredded parmesan (shaved or grated will work): Offers a nutty, salty edge that complements the tomatoes.
8 oz. mozzarella pearls: Creamy, soft sensations that create a luscious texture contrast.
⅓ cup chopped basil (packed): Freshly chopped basil lends an intoxicating aroma and herbaceous flavor.
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (or enough to make ⅔ cup with oil from tomatoes): A smooth and fruity foundation for the dressing.
⅓ cup oil drained from sun-dried tomatoes: This oil boosts the dressing with those signature sun-dried tomato flavors.
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (regular or white): Adds a subtle acidity that brightens and balances the richness.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the salad with savory depth and a slight punch.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together.
½ tsp Pepper: Freshly ground pepper for a bit of mild heat.
½ tsp Salt (more or less to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and rounds out the dish.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Wilt the Spinach

Begin by cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—firm to the bite yet tender. The texture is key here because it will continue to soak up the flavors of your dressing later. Once drained, immediately toss the pasta with the baby spinach to gently wilt the greens using the pasta’s residual heat. This step softens the spinach just enough and creates a lovely base texture. To cool it down quickly and stop cooking, rinse briefly with cool water or simply set aside to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Once your pasta and spinach mixture has cooled, it’s time to marry the rest of your fresh ingredients. Add the finely diced red onion for a bit of crunch, the juicy halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness, the shreds of parmesan for savory richness, and the tender mozzarella pearls for creamy balance. Don’t forget your beautifully julienned sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic chopped basil—they bring in the heart and soul of this salad’s character.

Step 3: Whisk and Toss the Dressing

Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sun-dried tomato oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This vinaigrette bursts with herbs and tang that perfectly complement each fresh ingredient. Pour about three quarters of this dressing over your pasta salad and toss well so every bite is infused with flavor. Let it chill in the fridge for roughly 30 minutes; this allows the marinade to meld beautifully. Right before serving, toss the salad with the reserved dressing for one last flavor boost.

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with three layers of curly pasta colored light yellow mixed with green spinach leaves and fresh basil leaves scattered throughout; among these, bright red cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes add vibrant splashes of color, small white cheese balls are evenly placed around the bowl, and small pieces of purple onion are mixed in between. The pasta is seasoned with herbs and black pepper visibly sprinkled on top. There is a fork and a spoon with wooden handles sticking out on the right side, resting in the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with two small white bowls in the background, one containing more shredded cheese and another with sun-dried tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a presentation that wows, sprinkle a few additional fresh basil leaves on top and some shaved parmesan curls for sparkle and texture. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds an appealing sheen and a touch more richness right before serving. These small additions create a vibrant, inviting dish that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or a crusty garlic bread. It can also stand proudly on its own as a hearty vegetarian main dish, especially when served alongside a crisp garden salad or fresh fruit for a light and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving the Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out roasted red pepper or in cute individual mason jars for an eye-catching, portable appetizer. Layering the salad ingredients by color in a transparent bowl also makes a stunning visual impression that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once tossed and dressed, place your salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop further, although for the freshest texture, consume within the first 24 to 48 hours. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle stir and add any reserved dressing to revive the flavor if needed.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients and cheese, this pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t ideal for freezing. Freezing tends to affect the texture and taste, especially of the mozzarella and tomatoes, which can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, allow the salad to come to room temperature rather than microwaving to keep the flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?

You can, but you’ll need to rehydrate them in warm water first and add some olive oil to the dressing to make sure your salad has the same luscious texture and flavor depth.

What pasta shape works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or bow tie are perfect because they hold onto the dressing and chunky ingredients well, making every bite flavorful.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the mozzarella pearls and parmesan for plant-based cheese substitutes or omit the cheese altogether and add extra basil and nuts for texture.

Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

Yes, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can work as alternatives but balsamic adds a sweetness and depth that really elevates the salad.

How long should I marinate the pasta salad before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld and flavors to intensify, but if you have time, an hour in the fridge is even better!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together so effortlessly. It’s bright, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every forkful, perfect to brighten up any table or meal occasion. Once you taste it, I’m confident it will become your go-to recipe whenever you want something fresh, easy, and truly delicious—just like sharing a favorite secret with your closest friend.

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe