Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

5 from 3 votes

Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad

This balsamic summer pasta salad is perfect for your next barbecue or potluck! It is packed with delicious ingredients, has the best balsamic vinaigrette, and is super simple to make.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Dinner, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Keyword: balsamic pasta salad, summer pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad

Servings: servings

Calories: 473kcal

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

8 ounces pasta of choice
2 handfuls arugula chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced
½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ red onion finely diced
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper more to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1-2 garlic cloves (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Then drain and let the pasta cool.
Next, chop the salad ingredients and prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together all ingredients.
Then toast the pine nuts in a pan over medium heat until golden brown. Lower the heat when needed.
Now add all ingredients to a large bowl. Toss until everything is combined. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!

Notes

Make sure you don't toast the pine nuts using high heat as they tend to burn very quickly. Using medium or medium-low heat is ideal.

Nutrition