This Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad recipe makes an excellent summer side dish to grilled nuggets or a burger! It seriously has so much flavor! To make this a complete meal, serve alongside your favorite protein or add grilled chicken!
Pasta salad is the ULTIMATE summer side! It is the perfect addition next to burgers, hot dogs, grilled veggies, or your favorite grilled protein.
This pasta salad has the most to-die-for, delicious dressing. I used the leftover oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes to make the pasta salad dressing and let me tell you. This pasta salad is BURSTING with the most delicious Tuscan flavor in each bite!
The best part about this Healthy Tuscan Pasta Salad is very versatile and EASY to make vegan, gluten-free, + dairy-free. To make it vegan and dairy-free, just omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free option! This pasta salad is a vegetarian dish but is still packed with protein thanks to the noodles. However, feel free to use any small pasta of your choice here. (And gluten free if you need to.)
You can make it a meal by mixing in Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets or serving as a side to a burger, grilled chicken fillet, or other protein of your choice. This easy pasta salad will be one of your favorite things to bring to your next picnic or potluck!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TUSCAN PASTA SALAD
- It is filled with so much delicious sun-dried tomato flavor!!
- Excellent vegetarian side dish option.
- Packed with fresh veggies and protein!
- A perfect option to bring to your next potluck or fourth of july party
- So easy to make into a balanced meal with your favorite protein.
- You can modify to make vegan, dairy-free, and/or gluten-free!
- Simple ingredients and so quick and easy to throw together!
- So many ways to mix it up and make it your own! Add or substitute artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella, or some red pepper flakes for some kick!
INGREDIENTS FOR EASY TUSCAN PASTA SALAD
- Bow tie Pasta – I used Protein+ Pasta bowtie pasta. Rotini, penne, elbow, or any short pasta of choice will work! Gluten-free pastas also work great here!
- Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work great!
- Bell pepper – I used a red one.
- Onion – I used a red onion for a little crunch and bitterness.
- Cucumber
- Feta cheese – I used fat-free feta cheese here.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – I used California Sun Dried.
- Fresh spinach – I used baby spinach- such a great veggie to sneak in!
- Extra virgin Olive Oil – Using the sun-dried tomato oil also works! That’s what I did and it really infuses the pasta to a whole other level!
- Vinegar – I like using Apple Cider or Red Wine vinegar!
- Dijon mustard
- Seasonings – Grab some salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder!
HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA SALAD
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water. Then, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions (time will vary based on the type of pasta and we’re going for pasta al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well so pasta doesn’t get soggy.
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette dressing ingredients. Then, add the slightly cooled pasta, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach to the bowl. Mix well.
- Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour or until ready to serve. Taste before serving and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese fresh basil, or fresh parsley if desired. Even better the next day after refrigerating for 24 hours.
To make gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta noodles.
To make vegan or dairy-free: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan substitute.
SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA SALAD TIPS + VARIATIONS
- Switch the flavors: Add mozzarella pearls instead of feta for more of a Caprese pasta salad vibe!
- SHORT CUT tip: If short on time, go ahead and make vinaigrette beforehand. OR omit vinaigrette completely and just toss with store-bought Italian dressing.
- For an extra boost of fiber: Use whole wheat pasta. Chickpea pasta will work for this recipe, but it does give a stronger flavor, especially when cold, so I don’t like using it for cold pasta salad recipes. But if chickpea pasta is your thing, go for it!
- Add more of the good stuff: Add white beans or chickpeas for more volume and more fiber. Add more veggies that sound good! Add extra cheese if ya fancy!
- BEST TIP: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for the absolute BEST flavor!
DOES THIS SUN DRIED TOMATO PASTA SALAD WORK FOR MEAL PREP?
100%! This past salad holds up great so feel free to make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SUN DRIED PASTA SALAD
There are so many possibilities! It’s delicious alongside a burger, turkey burger, chicken sandwich or hot dog. You can pair it with chicken salad or a wrap.
HOW LONG DOES PASTA SALAD LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
This recipe will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
HOW TO MAKE VEGAN PASTA SALAD
The only part of this recipe that isn’t vegan is the feta cheese, so simply leave it out! It will still be delicious if you omit, I promise. But if you wish, you can add a vegan-friendly cheese in place of the feta (even if its a totally different cheese).
TUSCAN PASTA SALAD FAQ
It is! Feel free to make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week!
I think it tastes delicious alongside a burger, turkey burger, hot dog, or grilled protein of your choice. You could also serve with breaded chicken cutlets!
This recipe will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
GREAT RECIPES TO SERVE PASTA SALAD WITH:
- Animal Style Burgers (In-N-Out Copycat)
- The BEST Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Nuggets
- Dairy Free Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet
- Meal Prep Balsamic Chicken
WANT TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?
If you try this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe and love it please rate this recipe!
You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok, @LaurenFitFoodie. It makes my day seeing your yummy recreations
Healthy Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This Tuscan Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad recipe makes an excellent summer side dish to grilled nuggets or a burger! It seriously has so much flavor! To make this a complete meal, serve alongside your favorite protein or add grilled chicken!
Ingredients
- 8-oz. Protein+ pasta (rotini, penne, bow ties, elbow) - or other short pasta of choice (I used Barilla Protein +)
- 8 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (180g)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (140g)
- 1/2 large cucumber, quartered (180g)
- 1/2 cup fat free feta cheese (56g)
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes (60g) - the kind in oil (I used California Sun Dry)
- 2 cups baby spinach (60g)
Vinaigrette
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (30g) - or oil from sun-dried tomatoes, so good!
- 1/4 cup vinegar (60g) - apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard (15g)
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, or taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, or taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt the water, then add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well so pasta doesn’t get soggy.
- In a very large bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients. Then add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes and spinach to the bowl. Mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour hour or until ready to serve. Taste before serving and add more salt andpepper if needed. Best if refrigerated for 24 hours.
Notes
MFP entry: LFF Tuscan Pasta Salad
To make GF: use gluten-free pasta noodles
To make vegan: omit feta cheese or sub for your favorite vegan-friendly cheese!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
211gAmount Per Serving: Calories: 205Total Fat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 1gCarbohydrates: 26.2gFiber: 3.9gSugar: 3.7gProtein: 8.1g
This was a fantastic recipe and super easy to make! I added chicken to make it a full meal and doubled all of the ingredients. Both my husband and I LOVED it. Will make again for sure!!!