Christmas Pasta Salad
This Christmas pasta salad is a festive and flavorful dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings! With a mix of bright colors (red and green!!) and fresh flavors, it’s an easy make-ahead recipe that looks beautiful on the table and pairs well with just about anything. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it extra special for the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the pasta salad
- 16 oz. bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, roughly chopped off any excess oil
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls, sliced in half if needed
- 1 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula, roughly chopped
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling store bought or homemade
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain, then rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together pesto and Italian dressing. Set aside.
- Assemble: To a large bowl, add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and mozzarella. Add cooled pasta and toss with the dressing. Sprinkle in chopped arugula and gently toss. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prep the salad a few hours or a day in advance, but add the arugula and balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Homemade pesto: Store-bought pesto is just fine if you have one you love. But nothing will beat the super fresh flavor of this homemade basil arugula pesto! If you have an extra 5 minutes, MAKE IT!
- Presentation perfect: This red and green-based salad is beautiful served in a bright white serving dish or tray. You can take a step further and use a pretty, white Christmas tree platter like this one!
- Storage: This salad holds up well in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.