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- 2 cups fusilli pasta - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste When you start this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad, the main ingredients shine bright. Fusilli pasta twists hold the dressing well, making each bite tasty. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of sweetness. Next, the additional ingredients help balance the dish. Black olives give a salty bite. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a slight tang. Fresh basil introduces a light, herbal note. For the dressing, you’ll use olive oil for richness. Balsamic vinegar adds a lovely zing. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This mix creates a salad packed with flavor and texture. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy creating this delightful dish! - Bring salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. - Cook fusilli according to package instructions. Aim for al dente. - Drain the pasta and let it cool. You want it to be room temperature. - In a large bowl, combine sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Their flavors blend well. - Next, add feta cheese and fresh basil. This gives the salad a nice creamy touch. - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. This helps coat everything evenly. You can find the full recipe to make this dish delicious and fresh. Enjoy every bite! - Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil. This adds depth and richness. - Allow the salad to sit for flavor melding. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Letting the salad sit helps the flavors blend. You will taste the difference. The sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta all come together in a magical way. - Ensure pasta is al dente for ideal texture. This keeps the pasta firm and chewy. - Adjust salt and pepper to personal preference. Taste as you go for the best result. Cooking pasta just right is key. If it is too soft, the salad loses its crunch. - Serve chilled or at room temperature. This makes it refreshing, especially on warm days. - Perfect as a side dish or main course. You can pair it with grilled meats or serve it alone. This salad shines in any setting. It is colorful and full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta shape for fun. Try penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type brings a new twist to the dish. If you want a creamier texture, use mozzarella instead of feta cheese. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch and mild flavor that pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes. To boost nutrition, add fresh spinach or arugula. These greens give extra vitamins and a nice crunch. You can also toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. Both options make this salad heartier and more filling. If you want a zesty kick, try lemon vinaigrette instead of balsamic. The bright flavor of lemon enhances the salad. You can also mix in different herbs and spices. Consider using oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Experimenting with flavors keeps the dish exciting! For more delicious ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad. To keep your Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method helps lock in the flavors. It’s best to eat it within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. You can freeze this salad, but know that the texture may change. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. This gentle method helps maintain its flavors. Before serving leftovers, refresh the salad with a drizzle of olive oil. This small step can bring back the vibrant taste and make it feel freshly made again. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Yes, it's perfect for meal prep and tastes better the next day. The flavors blend, making each bite more delicious. I often make a big batch so I can enjoy it throughout the week. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Consider adding grilled vegetables, nuts, or proteins like chicken or tuna. You can mix in roasted peppers for some heat or chickpeas for extra fiber. Feel free to get creative! Each of these options adds a unique twist to the salad. This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure that the cheese comes from a vegetarian source. You can also swap feta for a plant-based cheese to keep it vegan. The salad remains fresh and tasty either way. While you can use fresh tomatoes, the sun-dried variety enhances flavor significantly. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deeper, richer taste that brightens the whole dish. For the best results, stick with the sun-dried ones when you can. This salad combines fresh flavors and easy steps for a perfect dish. You learned about the key ingredients, from fusilli pasta to sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. We also covered tips for enhancing taste and storage options. My final thought is that this salad is versatile. You can adjust it to fit your taste and needs. So, enjoy making this delightful dish at home and share it with others!

Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Get ready to elevate your meal prep with this delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors from fresh tomatoes, olives, and creamy feta, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a refreshing dish that's sure to impress. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and make this flavorful salad today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fusilli pasta

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in olive oil)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully blended.

        Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well mixed and coated.

          Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.

            Give the salad a final toss before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4