Description
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or light dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 3 tablespoons oil)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
Instructions
- 1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- 2. Whisk together olive oil, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- 3. Add cooled pasta to dressing and toss well to coat.
- 4. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
- 5. Add red onion and capers, mixing gently.
- 6. Stir in basil leaves and pine nuts just before serving.
- 7. Let rest 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- 8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g