Go Back

Spicy Italian Pasta Salad

This Spicy Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty sun-dried tomato pesto dressing. Perfect for potlucks and picnics!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 0.5 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium shallot sliced
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Dressing
  • 7 ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1.5 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon pepper
  • 0.25 cup olive oil

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water. Let cool.
  2. Add the pasta, tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, and shallot to a serving bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: add the sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil) to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pulse until sun-dried tomatoes are finely chopped, then run the food processor or blender while adding the olive oil. Run until a thick sauce forms. Taste, then add more pepper flakes and/or salt to taste.
  4. Toss pasta with sauce.
  5. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

This pasta salad is best served chilled. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.