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Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad

Sundried tomato pasta salad with chewy rotini, creamy mozzarella, and briny Kalamata olives tossed in a punchy herby dressing. Warm pasta absorbs the oil-vinegar emulsion, then it chills for at least 20 minutes so every twist tastes Mediterranean.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Medithelial
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 0.75 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup baby arugula or fresh basil leaves
  • 0.5 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
  • 0.25 cup shaved Parmesan
Dressing
  • 3 tbsp reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 large pot

Method
 

Cook pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about the time shown on the box, then drain.
  2. Rinse the drained rotini briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Spread it out slightly so steam escapes and it can absorb the dressing.
Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Whisk for about 30 seconds until it looks glossy and uniform.
Toss and chill
  1. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the warm rotini and toss to coat. The pasta should look lightly glossy, and you should see the twists darken as it absorbs.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes in oil, fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), Kalamata olives, medium red onion, and roasted red peppers, then toss gently to combine. Use gentle motions so the mozzarella stays in soft, visible pieces.
  3. Fold in baby arugula or fresh basil leaves and Parmesan shavings. Toss just until the greens wilt slightly and the Parmesan disperses.
  4. Taste the pasta salad and add the remaining dressing as needed, adjusting salt and black pepper. Add small splashes and toss between adjustments until balanced.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Chill until cold, then toss once more before serving for even coating.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta quickly under cold water and dress it while it’s still warm so the oil-vinegar emulsion clings to every twist. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days; freeze is not recommended because the fresh mozzarella and greens can soften. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce shaved Parmesan to 2–3 tbsp.