Pasta Salad W/Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This vibrant pasta salad is a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and crunchy textures. The star ingredients are oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and marinated artichoke hearts, which provide a rich, concentrated flavor profile. Toasted cashews add a delightful crunch, while the freshly cooked tortellini serves as the hearty base. The dressing is a simple yet effective emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for summer potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even better if prepared a day in advance. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, satisfying dish that appeals to both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 8

Calories: 326.9

Description

This vibrant pasta salad is a perfect blend of tangy, savory, and crunchy textures. The star ingredients are oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and marinated artichoke hearts, which provide a rich, concentrated flavor profile. Toasted cashews add a delightful crunch, while the freshly cooked tortellini serves as the hearty base. The dressing is a simple yet effective emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent choice for summer potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even better if prepared a day in advance. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, satisfying dish that appeals to both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ingredients

1/3 cup Oil-package tomatoes; drain, chop
1 tablespoon Oil from tomatoes
1/3 cup Olive oil
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
2 cloves Garlic; minced
6 ounce Jar marinated artichoke
1 pound Tortellini; freshly cooked
1/4 pound Cashews; toasted
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
3
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained artichoke hearts, and toasted cashews to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
4
Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl and toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and mixed with the vegetables and nuts.
5
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again to distribute the seasoning.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 326.9kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20.6g32%
Saturated Fat 2.9g15%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 129.7mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 33.0g11%
Dietary Fiber 9.4g38%
Sugars 1.6g
Protein 8.4g17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This salad can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

For best flavor, bring the salad to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving if taken directly from the fridge.

If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping and draining.

Ensure the cashews are lightly toasted to maximize their crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Keywords: pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, tortellini, vegan, italian salad, cashews, lemon dressing, garlic, olive oil, summer lunch, make-ahead, vegetarian, healthy dinner, cold pasta, potluck recipe, mediterranean, quick meal, flavorful, crunchy, tangy

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-salad-w-sun-dried-tomatoes/