Warm Ziti Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your pasta game with this **Warm Ziti Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette**, a hearty yet refreshing dish that combines tender ziti pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfectly balanced with sautéed red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-packed baby spinach, this pasta salad is tossed in a luscious blend of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a burst of flavor in every bite. Finished with a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and elegant, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Serve it warm and enjoy the perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients in under 35 minutes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups, packed baby spinach
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup, shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the vinaigrette.
Return the skillet with the vegetables to low heat. Add the cooked ziti pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing everything together.
Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables, tossing until evenly coated and warmed through.
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and gently toss again.
Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh basil. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2238 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.5 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 2169 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.8 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.6 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.5 g | ||
| Protein | 85.5 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1297 mg | 100% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 1047 mg | 22% | |
*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.
