Sun-Dried Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This delightful Sun-Dried Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad presents an elegant twist on the classic pasta salad, leaving behind the typical mayonnaise dressing in favor of a vibrant, zesty combination that highlights the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Ideal for a lunch or snack, this dish is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a refreshing meal on a warm day.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Servings: 8
- Rating: 4 out of 5 (2 reviews)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 446.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 27.9 mg |
| Sodium | 401.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 47.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugars | 2.4 g |
| Protein | 17.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 tbsp | Olive oil |
| ½ cup | Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil |
| ¼ cup | Red wine vinegar |
| 1 tbsp | Capers |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| 1 cup | Medium pasta shells |
| 2 cups | Cherry tomatoes, halved |
| 8 oz | Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed |
| 1 cup | Fresh basil leaves, torn |
| ½ cup | Grated Parmesan cheese |
| ½ cup | Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced |
Keywords
- Pasta Shells
- Kosher
- Less than 30 Minutes
- Stove Top
- Easy
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Add the medium pasta shells to the boiling water and stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the pasta until it reaches a tender but firm texture, which should take about 11 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large serving bowl while it is still hot.
-
-
Make the Dressing: In the meantime, prepare the dressing using a food processor. Combine the olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes (including the oil they were packed in), red wine vinegar, capers, and minced garlic. Process these ingredients until the sun-dried tomatoes are coarsely chopped, ensuring that the mixture is well blended but not completely smooth. Transfer the dressing to a small bowl and set it aside.
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Combine Ingredients: While the pasta is still warm, pour the prepared dressing over it and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. This will help the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add Fresh Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled to room temperature, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, cubed fresh mozzarella, torn basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and sliced Kalamata olives. Be careful not to break the mozzarella too much; you want to maintain the delicious creamy texture.
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Season and Serve: Taste the pasta salad and season it with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference. Toss everything together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Serve the pasta salad at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Enjoy!
This Sun-Dried Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, thanks to the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a satisfying lunch, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the ease of preparation that makes this salad a new favorite!
Feel free to adapt or modify this recipe to suit your preferences. Happy cooking!
