Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that brings a fresh twist to your table, this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is just what you need. With its vibrant mix of sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and fresh basil, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s simple to prepare and makes a perfect side dish for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive summer celebration.

Does anyone else love a good pasta salad recipe as much as I do? I could eat a variant of pasta every day and be a happy man. Now, if only someone would invent a calorie-free version that tastes as delicious as the real thing.

Even though I’m a major fan of a classic pasta salad recipe, I also enjoy developing creative flavor twists. This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is my latest.

Of course, one of the yummy things in this pasta salad recipe is sun-dried tomatoes. It’s likely that l would love any recipe that contains sun-dried tomatoes. They are bite-size bundles of rich flavor that explode in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This pasta salad is bursting with flavor! The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and fresh basil creates a rich, savory taste that will delight your senses. Each bite offers a unique blend of textures and flavors that make this pasta salad stand out.
• This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is incredibly simple to put together. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Not only is this recipe delicious as written, but it also allows for endless customization. Swap out the feta for goat cheese or add some diced chicken for extra protein. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand and cater to your family’s preferences.
• Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, packing a picnic, or looking for a quick lunch option, this pasta salad fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost any main dish, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering up all the ingredients you’ll need to make this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad.

• Farfalle Pasta: This bow-tie shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the dressing and all the delicious ingredients in every bite.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a rich, intense flavor that elevates the taste of the pasta salad.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: These tender and flavorful artichokes bring a tangy, Mediterranean flair to the dish.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty element that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Garbanzo Beans: Also known as chickpeas, they add a satisfying texture and boost the protein content of the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes add a fresh, sweet burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Baby Arugula: The peppery arugula leaves add a fresh, slightly spicy note that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brings a fragrant, herbal touch that ties all the flavors together.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This high-quality oil forms the base of the dressing, adding a smooth, rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and adds a zesty kick.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the lemon juice and enhances the overall flavor. The sugar is optional. However, I think that bit of sweetness nicely counters the tartness of the lemon juice.)
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings bring out the flavors of all the ingredients, making the salad irresistible.

Although this combination makes an incredibly tasty pasta salad, you don’t need to follow this recipe ingredient by ingredient. Feel free to mix things up and include what you love. Don’t like feta? Try goat cheese. Not a fan of garbanzo beans? Use diced chicken instead.

How to Make

If you can chop and stir, you can make this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad. It’s that easy! I’ll walk you through the simple steps below. There’s also a full printable recipe card with ingredients and instructions is available at the end of this post.

1. In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and fresh basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently toss all of the ingredients together to combine. Add more oil, salt, or pepper, if desired.

While it will still be delicious and fresh the next day, I recommend making this recipe a couple hours before serving. This will ensure that the arugula remains crisp.

And that, my friends, is my take on a Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad. Again, if you’re looking for more out-of-this-world-delicious pasta salads, you can this collection of my best pasta salad recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? 

Absolutely! While this pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add the arugula right before serving to maintain its crispness.

What can I substitute for feta cheese? 

If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even shredded Parmesan. Both options will still provide a deliciously creamy and tangy element to the salad.

Can I add more protein to this salad? 

Yes, definitely! Diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some cooked bacon can be great additions if you want to make the salad more filling.

How long will leftovers keep? 

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the arugula may wilt a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious.

More Pasta Salads You’ll Love

• Macaroni Salad (Miracle Whip Based)
• Southwest Pasta Salad
• BLT Macaroni Salad
• Pasta Salad with Roasted Mushrooms
• Ramen Noodle Salad

I hope you’re as excited to try this Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad as I am to share it with you. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. If you try it, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic recipe. It’s simple to put together, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Your family and guests will be raving about it.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: feta, pasta salad, side dish, sun-dried tomatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb farfalle pasta cooked al dente
• 1 jar (8.5 ounces) sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and roughly chopped
• 2 jars (7 ounces) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped drained and roughly chopped
• 1 container 8 ounces feta cheese crumbles
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 3 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice from one large lemon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and fresh basil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Gently toss all of the ingredients together to combine. Add more oil, salt, or pepper, if desired.