Irresistible Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about this sun-dried tomato pesto pasta salad… It’s like summer on a plate, bursting with colors and flavors that just make you feel good. Picture tender pasta, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and just the right amount of fresh basil all coming together in a cozy, delicious embrace. Seriously, you can taste the sunshine! This dish is perfect for gatherings or just a chill evening with friends. It’s both light and satisfying—truly a winner in my book!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Rich, tangy sun-dried tomatoes balance beautifully with the creaminess of the pesto—so, so good!
• Tossing in some fresh veggies adds crunch and freshness—just makes everything pop!
• This salad comes together **quickly**—perfect for when you need a meal in a pinch.
• Leftovers? Oh, they taste even better the next day, trust me!
• Great for meal prepping; it keeps well and is wonderful served cold or at room temp—just fab!

My family fights over the last bite of this salad every time I make it… it’s kind of a problem!

What You’ll Need

• Pasta: 2 cups of your choice—think fusilli or penne here, perfectly cooked and al dente, please!
• Sun-dried tomatoes: 1 cup, packed with flavor—preferably those that come in oil, they’re just richer.
• Fresh basil leaves: 1 cup, torn—because it’s all about the freshness!
• Olive oil: ½ cup—extra virgin is best, it really brings everything to life.
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated—because cheese always makes it better!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—gotta have that punch of flavor!
• Pine nuts: ¼ cup—lightly toasted if you’re feeling fancy, adds a lovely crunch.
• Salt and black pepper: to taste—don’t skip these, they tie all the flavors together.
• Spinach or arugula: 2 cups (optional)—adds some green goodness and extra texture!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, so first, you’re gonna boil a big pot of salted water… like, get it good and bubbling. Toss in your pasta—fuss over getting it just right, you want it to be al dente, not mushy. Follow those package directions, and keep stirring a bit. Once it’s done, drain it, and then rinse it under cold water to stop all that cooking action… We don’t want it turning into a mushy mess! Next, in a cute little bowl, blend all those sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can use a food processor, or even a blender works, just scrape down the sides so everything gets mixed well. Now comes the fun part! Take that warm pasta, pop it in a big mixing bowl, and you’re gonna pour that beautiful sun-dried tomato dressing all over it. Toss, toss, toss to coat it nicely. Then fold in those cheerful cherry tomatoes and olives—feel free to add any extras your heart desires. And but, hey, don’t forget to chill it for at least an hour… let all those flavors mingle!

Good to Know

• For a little crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts just before serving—they really add that extra layer of flavor!
• If you’ve got leftovers, they’re good in the fridge for about three days… but trust me, they may not last that long!

Serving Ideas

• Serve it up with grilled chicken or as part of a lovely picnic spread. It just looks gorgeous on any table!

Top Tricks

• When you’re chopping sun-dried tomatoes, use kitchen scissors—it’s way easier and keeps everything from getting all sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Sure thing, you can swap in fresh tomatoes if you want, but it will give the salad a different vibe. Just make sure to drain them well, or your salad might get a bit watery… not what we want!

How long can I store the pasta salad?

This salad will hang tight in your fridge for about three days. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it’s ready to go!

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Absolutely, go wild! You could toss in grilled veggies, more olives, or even some crumbled feta for a little zing!

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

I’m a big fan of short pasta shapes—like fusilli or penne. They’re just perfect for holding all that delicious dressing!

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, totally! Just grab some gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set to enjoy this dish without any worries!

Conclusion

This sun-dried tomato pesto pasta salad? It’s a total gem. Light yet filling, full of sunshine vibes, and you can whip it up in no time—it’s an all-around superstar! Whether you’re having a picnic or just looking for a satisfying meal, trust me, you’ll want this on your table. Everyone will be asking for the recipe—promise!

More recipe suggestions and combinations

• Caprese Pasta Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, some basil, plus a drizzle of balsamic is just dreamy!
• Greek Orzo Salad: Mix in olives, feta, and cherry tomatoes, and a lemon dressing… so refreshing!
• Pesto Chicken Salad: Toss your grilled chicken with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a protein hit.
• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, roasted veggies, and lemon vinaigrette—so healthy, so filling!
• Italian Antipasto Salad: A mix of salami, olives, pepperoncini, cheese, and a tangy dressing—it’s a party on a plate!