Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “I don’t like that”? I feel you. The nightly dinner debate is real in my house, too.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Pasta Salad. It’s my secret weapon for happy, full bellies. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that works for a quick dinner, a summer potluck, or a weekend picnic. If you love the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, you must try our creamy Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce for another easy weeknight win.
It’s packed with big, bright flavors that adults love. But it’s also simple and familiar enough to win over the pickiest of eaters. Let me show you how this Italian-inspired, vegetarian pasta dish became a regular on our table.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I know the struggle of serving a bowl of “mixed-up” food. Kids often see a jumble of ingredients and shut down. So, what’s the trick here?
First, pasta is a universal kid food. It’s a safe, comforting base. The sun-dried tomatoes and olives add pops of flavor without being scary. They’re small and easy to pick around if needed (we’ve all been there!). For a different way to enjoy that rich, tangy flavor, our Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sourdough makes an incredible side for soup night.
The dressing is simple and clings to every noodle. There’s no weird, watery sauce pooling at the bottom. It’s just a creamy, tangy, cheesy coating that makes every bite delicious.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I keep my pantry stocked with these basics. You probably have most of them already!
- 1 lb short pasta (like rotini, farfalle, or penne)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, chopped)
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is a game-changer. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it.
My kids have two favorite jobs for this recipe. First, they love measuring and pouring the pasta into the boiling water (with very close supervision, of course!).
Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Pasta Salad Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Pasta Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Their absolute favorite task is mixing the big bowl. Once everything is in the serving bowl, I let them take turns with a big spoon. They give it a “power mix” until every piece is coated. It makes them feel so proud.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, this comes together so fast. It’s perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for “al dente.”
- While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, sun-dried tomato oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it briefly with cool water to stop the cooking. Let it drain well.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil if you’re using it. You can serve it right away, or let it chill for 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different taste buds. Here’s how to make this dish work for everyone at your table.
For super sensitive kids, serve it deconstructed. Put plain pasta, cheese, and the other ingredients in separate little bowls. Let them build their own plate.
Want to add some protein? Toss in a can of drained chickpeas or some chopped grilled chicken. For the adults, a handful of spicy pepperoni or crispy bacon bits is amazing. For a truly elegant chicken dinner that still features sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll love our Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken.
If olives are a hard no, just leave them out! Add some chopped cucumber or bell peppers for a fresh crunch instead.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This salad is a lifesaver for meal prep. It actually gets better as it sits!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
I love taking it straight from the fridge for lunch. You can also let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off. The pasta might soak up a little dressing, so a tiny splash of water or olive oil when you stir it can bring it right back to life.
Nutrition Notes
- This is a vegetarian pasta dish that provides energy from carbs.
- Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds a protein boost.
- Olives and sun-dried tomatoes offer healthy fats and a punch of flavor.
- Cheese adds calcium for growing bones.
- For a lighter version, you can use a whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Making it an hour or even a day ahead lets the flavors really come together. Just give it a good stir before serving.
My child doesn’t like “red bits.” What can I do?
No problem! You can blend the sun-dried tomatoes right into the dressing. Just add them to the bowl before you whisk. It will turn the dressing a lovely pink color and keep the flavor without the visible pieces.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Any short pasta with nooks and crannies is perfect. Rotini, farfalle (bows), or penne are our top picks. They hold the dressing and the little bits of cheese and tomato so well in every bite.
I really hope this Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Pasta Salad becomes a new favorite in your home. It has saved my sanity on more busy weeknights than I can count.
It’s the kind of easy, flexible recipe that grows with your family. You can change it up based on what’s in your fridge or what your crew is craving that day.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids help mix it? What fun twists did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!
