Artichoke Hearts & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

Share this blog:

If you’re looking for a quick meal that packs flavor without fuss, this artichoke hearts & sun-dried tomato pasta salad is for you. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and healthy in no time. Juicy artichokes and tangy sun-dried tomatoes give each bite a burst of taste, making it a tasty lunch or side dish.

You can toss this together with simple ingredients. It’s ideal for meal prep or a potluck. Plus, it’s great hot or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. Grab your forks and dig in!

Tool Requirements

Making a tasty pasta salad is a breeze with the right tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl to toss everything together. It’s best if it’s big enough to give you room to mix without anything falling out.

You’ll also want a sharp knife for chopping up your ingredients, like artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. A good knife makes the job quicker and safer.

A colander is necessary for draining your pasta. It helps you get rid of all that extra water after cooking. Make sure it has plenty of holes so the water drains well.

A cutting board will be handy for your chopping tasks. It’s important to use a sturdy one that doesn’t slip around while you cut.

Finally, a wooden spoon or a big serving spoon can help mix everything evenly. It’s ideal to have one that’s easy to grip and sturdy enough for tossing heavy pasta.

Preparing The Ingredients

To start making your pasta salad, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, your choice of pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and any fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Drain the artichoke hearts and cut them into halves or quarters. If they are packed in oil, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry. This helps balance out the flavors in your salad.

For the sun-dried tomatoes, if they’re not already sliced, chop them into small strips. If they’re dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.

Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Choose a pasta shape that holds onto the other ingredients well, like penne or rotini.

While the pasta cooks, mince some garlic. You only need a clove or two to add a nice kick to your salad.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in a few tablespoons of olive oil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.

Add the minced garlic and toss everything together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Tear or chop your fresh herbs and sprinkle them over the top. This adds a burst of color and flavor. Now your ingredients are prepped and ready for the final mix.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy this pasta salad as a main dish or a side. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal on warm days. If you’re looking for more substance, pair it with some crusty bread.

Try it alongside grilled vegetables. The smoky flavor of grilled veggies complements the tangy and savory taste of the pasta salad.

Add your favorite greens like arugula or spinach for an extra burst of freshness. A sprinkle of nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds, can add a nice crunch. Enjoy it with a light vinaigrette for added flavor.

Storage Tips

• Keep your salad fresh in an airtight container. This helps lock in all the flavors and prevents any unwanted smells from taking over.
• Pop the container in your fridge as soon as possible. It stays good for around 3 to 4 days. If you plan on making it ahead of time, this is great for meal prepping.
• Before serving, give it a quick stir to make sure all the ingredients are mixed well. If it looks a little dry, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil to refresh the flavors.
• If you’re using homemade dressing, store it separately. Add it when you’re ready to enjoy the salad. This keeps everything tasting fresh and crisp.
• Freezing is not ideal for this salad. Fresh veggies like artichoke hearts don’t freeze well and might lose their texture when thawed. Stick with the fridge for best results.

Artichoke Hearts & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

This artichoke hearts & sun-dried tomato pasta salad is the dish you're looking for! This easy and healthy pasta salad recipe won't take long to make, is delicious, and can be stored easily for later. If you want a vegan pasta salad recipe for lunch, as a side dish, or dinner, try this one out!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 2 servings

Calories 185 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup of marinated or canned artichoke hearts
• 10 sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups of kale
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 bell pepper
• 1/4 cup of olives
• 1 cup of whole grain pasta
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Wash 2 cups of kale, 1/2 cucumber, 1/4 red onion, and 1/2 bell pepper thoroughly.
• Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
• Halve the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Slice the cucumber.
• Chop the red onion and bell pepper.
• Slice 1/4 cup of olives thinly.
• Cook 1 cup of whole grain pasta according to package instructions.
• While the pasta cooks, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 minced clove of garlic in a small bowl.
• Add a pinch of salt to the dressing.
• Drain the cooked pasta and let it cool.
• Drain and chop 1/4 cup of marinated or canned artichoke hearts.
• Combine all the veggies, cooled pasta, artichoke hearts, and dressing in a large bowl.
• Toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats the ingredients.
• Tear up 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves and add them on top.
• Mix gently to keep the basil aromatic and not bruised.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.