5 from 93 votes
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
This Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad features a zesty mix of sun dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and crumbled tofu mimicking feta cheese. Chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add freshness and bite, combined with a dressing that balances lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic flavors. Tossed with cooked pasta cooled to avoid sogginess, the salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, offering a textured, colorful dish suitable for light meals or gatherings.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
- 6 people
Calories:
766 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1 sun dried tomatoes diced, in olive oil, 8-ounce jar
- 2 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup parsley minced
- ¼ cup basil minced
- ¼ cup olive oil reserved sundried tomato olive oil
- 2 garlic pressed, cloves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of water
- ½ package tofu crumbled with your fingers (to resemble feta cheese, super firm
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1 small red onion diced
- ⅓ cup parsley minced
- ½ cup basil minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the sun dried tomatoes from the jar and set aside until step 4 and save ¼ cup of the oil.
- In a small bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients. Mix well and allow the crumbled tofu to marinate for 10 minutes while the pasta is cooking.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, onion, parsley, basil, and dressing. Allow it to marinate while the pasta cools down for 10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with all of the ingredients and mix well. Taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to keep it firm when dressed, especially if serving chilled.
- Partially dress the pasta salad while the pasta is warm to help the pasta absorb flavors without becoming soggy.
- Cool pasta quickly by rinsing with cold water or spreading on a tray and refrigerating if making ahead.
Nutrition Information
Calories
766kcal
(38%)
Carbohydrates
129g
(43%)
Protein
29g
(58%)
Fat
18g
(28%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Sodium
151mg
(6%)
Potassium
2775mg
(59%)
Fiber
14g
(56%)
Sugar
30g
(60%)
Vitamin A
3708IU
(74%)
Vitamin C
84mg
(93%)
Calcium
168mg
(17%)
Iron
10mg
(56%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 - 6 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 766
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 766kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 129g | 43% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Sodium | 151mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 2775mg | 59% |
| Fiber | 14g | 56% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 3708IU | 74% |
| Vitamin C | 84mg | 93% |
| Calcium | 168mg | 17% |
| Iron | 10mg | 56% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.