Warm Ziti Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your pasta game with this **Warm Ziti Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette**, a hearty yet refreshing dish that combines tender ziti pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfectly balanced with sautéed red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-packed baby spinach, this pasta salad is tossed in a luscious blend of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a burst of flavor in every bite. Finished with a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and elegant, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Serve it warm and enjoy the perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients in under 35 minutes!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups, packed baby spinach
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup, shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Step 3
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Step 4
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 5
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the vinaigrette.
Step 6
Return the skillet with the vegetables to low heat. Add the cooked ziti pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing everything together.
Step 7
Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables, tossing until evenly coated and warmed through.
Step 8
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and gently toss again.
Step 9
Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh basil. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1235.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2237.8 |
| Total Fat 78.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 24.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 88.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2169.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 307.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 30.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 38.5g | |
| Protein 85.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1297.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 22.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1046.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories