Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

The Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a deliciously tangy and vibrant dish that’s both easy to prepare and hard to resist. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this cold pasta salad features a blend of chewy sun-dried tomatoes, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese. It’s dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette that brings all the ingredients together for a harmonious taste experience.

Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck contribution, this pasta salad is as versatile as it is delicious. The addition of fresh basil and a splash of olive oil adds depth and brightness. With minimal cooking and loads of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll return to all summer long.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli recommended)

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/3 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, feta, and fresh basil.

3. Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the mixture and toss well to coat. Add olive oil if extra richness is desired.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Irresistible Charm of Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

When it comes to quick, delicious, and versatile meals, few dishes shine as brightly as a well-made pasta salad. With its delightful blend of textures, colors, and Mediterranean flavors, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad captures everything we love about summer eating: ease, freshness, and bold taste. This dish is far more than just a side, it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully paired and beautifully balanced.

The beauty of pasta salad is in its simplicity. With the right combination of ingredients, even the most basic pasta can transform into a gourmet experience. This sun-dried tomato version is proof of that. From backyard barbecues to weekday lunch boxes, it offers something that’s both satisfying and refreshing, rich without being heavy, and customizable to fit any palate.

A Mediterranean Flavor Experience

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad draws its inspiration from classic Mediterranean cuisine. Think of the key players: juicy tomatoes, bold olives, crumbly feta, fresh herbs, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Every bite delivers a harmony of salty, sweet, and savory that leaves your taste buds dancing.

Sun-dried tomatoes, the centerpiece of this dish, offer intense, concentrated flavor with a pleasant chewiness. Unlike fresh tomatoes, they bring a savory depth and almost meaty texture that elevates the entire salad. Paired with the briny kick of black olives and the creamy tang of feta cheese, the result is something you’d expect to find on a sunlit patio overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Fresh basil rounds out the Mediterranean flavor profile. The herb’s aromatic, slightly peppery bite adds brightness and complexity, helping to tie all the ingredients together under the umbrella of a light yet robust balsamic dressing.

Why This Pasta Salad Works

Unlike mayonnaise-based salads that can feel too heavy in the heat, this vinaigrette-based recipe feels light and refreshing while still being hearty. The pasta provides the perfect canvas for bold flavors, soaking up the tangy, herby dressing without turning soggy or bland.

The mix of textures is another highlight, tender pasta, chewy tomatoes, creamy cheese, crisp onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s a forkful of contrast in the best possible way. Plus, because the ingredients are so flavor-packed on their own, there’s very little seasoning needed beyond a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a testament to what happens when high-quality ingredients speak for themselves.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

One of the greatest advantages of pasta salad is that it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. That makes this dish ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Once chilled, the ingredients have time to absorb the dressing and marry flavors in a way that’s hard to replicate in a rush.

Hosting a summer barbecue? This salad can be made the night before and served cold or at room temperature. Looking for a weekday lunch solution? A batch will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules. Because it’s so satisfying on its own, it doesn’t need anything extra, though you’re welcome to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even arugula if you’re looking to switch things up.

Ingredient Notes and Swaps

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. While it’s perfect as written, you can easily adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Pasta: Rotini and fusilli are excellent choices because their spiral shapes hold the dressing well. But penne, farfalle, or even orzo also work beautifully. For a gluten-free version, use rice or lentil-based pasta.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for those packed in oil for better texture and flavor. Be sure to drain them well, but feel free to use a little of the oil in place of olive oil for an extra boost of flavor.

• Feta Cheese: Prefer goat cheese or mozzarella? Swap away! Crumbled blue cheese or shaved Parmesan also work if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Vegetables: Red onions add sharpness, but you could easily use green onions or shallots. Cherry tomatoes bring freshness but roasted red peppers or cucumber would also be delightful.

• Herbs: Fresh basil is a classic but try dill or oregano for something different. You can even add parsley or mint for a fresh twist.

• Dressing: Balsamic vinaigrette is a winner here, but a red wine vinegar or lemon-based dressing can also work wonders. Make your own or use a high-quality store-bought option.

Ideal for Every Occasion

This pasta salad is wonderfully versatile. Here are just a few ideas on where and how to serve it:

1. Picnics and BBQs

It’s the ultimate cold dish that can sit out for a little while without worry. Unlike creamy salads, it won’t spoil quickly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any outdoor setting.

2. Potlucks and Holiday Feasts

Easy to double or triple, this recipe is great for feeding a crowd. It also travels well and presents beautifully in any serving bowl.

3. Meal Prep

Make a large batch and divide it into lunch containers. Add a protein like grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken, and you’ve got multiple days of balanced, flavorful meals.

4. Light Dinners

Pair with a green salad, soup, or crusty bread and a glass of wine for a no-fuss summer dinner that feels indulgent but is light on effort.

Dietary Friendliness

Vegetarians will love that this recipe contains no meat while still being packed with protein and flavor. For a vegan version, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. Gluten-free folks can use their favorite GF pasta brand without compromising the recipe’s texture or taste.

And for those counting calories or carbs, you can reduce the pasta slightly and bulk up the salad with extra veggies like cucumbers, zucchini ribbons, or shredded carrots.

Storage and Leftovers

Once prepared, the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Just store it in an airtight container. If you find it dries out slightly after a couple of days, just toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or another splash of vinaigrette to refresh it before serving.

This is one of those rare dishes that not only holds up well over time, but it also actually gets better. The extra time allows the ingredients to marinate together, deepening the flavor and softening the vegetables just enough without losing their bite.

Tips for Pasta Salad Perfection

1. Salt Your Water Generously: This is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself. A salty pasta base makes all the difference in overall flavor.

2. Cool the Pasta Thoroughly: Rinse with cold water and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Warm pasta can absorb too much dressing too quickly, resulting in a soggy salad.

3. Chop Ingredients Uniformly: Evenly sized pieces mean a balanced bite every time. No one wants to fork into a giant onion chunk or a single olive dominating their mouthful.

4. Chill Before Serving: Allowing your pasta salad to chill for at least 30 minutes makes the difference between “pretty good” and “WOW.”

Conclusion

The Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a staple for any season but especially shines in the warmer months. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and packed with deep, layered flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a party, planning a picnic, or just want a reliable meal that you can keep on hand during a busy week, this salad will never let you down.

Its Mediterranean flair, simple preparation, and ability to feed a crowd (or just your future self) make it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Make it once, and it might just become your go-to summer favorite.