Sun Dried Tomato Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Transform your next gathering with this vibrant Sun-Dried Tomato Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad, a perfect balance of fresh flavors and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Tender pasta pairs beautifully with savory sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cubes of fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, all tied together with a zesty homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this make-ahead dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Optional Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty finish, while a brief chill in the fridge enhances the blend of flavors. This pasta salad dazzles both as a standalone meal or a flavorful side dish, sure to impress every guest at your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (short shape like penne, farfalle, or rotini)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into small cubes or use mozzarella pearls)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, grated)
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, then set aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cubed fresh mozzarella, and roughly chopped basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette dressing.
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor, and gently toss again.
Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
380 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.0 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 529 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.9 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 15.4 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 300 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 370 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
