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Fresh Cold Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

sun-dried tomato pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy cold pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil, perfect for warm weather and last-minute lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) dry pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed, drained with a little oil left)
  • 1 cup (150 g) mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of dry pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
  3. While pasta cooks, finely chop 1/2 cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes and roughly chop or tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly, being careful not to mash the mozzarella pearls.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with an optional final crack of black pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor. Toss gently to keep mozzarella pearls intact. Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but avoid reheating to prevent mozzarella from becoming rubbery.

Nutrition

Keywords: sun-dried tomato pasta salad, cold pasta salad, mozzarella pearls, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick lunch

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/fresh-cold-sun-dried-tomato-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-lunch/