Italian Pasta Salad with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

What’s for lunch? It's that old question that tends to send some of us into a mini-panic. We want something healthy, filling and delicious but we don’t always have time to make it. Between work, school pick-up, errands, cleaning the house, calling your mom, paying your bills...you name it...when exactly is there time to make a delicious lunch?

Never fear! I’ve got the perfect solution for you. Meal prep this amazing Italian Pasta Salad with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes! Doesn’t the name alone transport you to the Amalfi Coast?

So let's get right to it. For this recipe, I used gluten-free fussili pasta but it would be just as tasty with any kind - including tortellini and orzo. Simply prepare the batch and put it in the refrigerator for a quick and delicious lunch all week!

Italian Pasta Salad with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. gluten-free pasta

• 4 tbs red wine vinegar

• 2 tbs olive oil

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbs red onion, chopped

• 2 tbs fresh parsley, chopped

• Pinch of sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Fresh ground pepper

• 3 oz fresh mozzarella, cut in small pieces

• 2 cups baby spinach

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions. When done, drain in colander and add spinach. Toss to wilt spinach slightly.

2. In a bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, red onion, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk until well-blended.

3. In a large bowl, add pasta/spinach mixture. Top with dressing and toss (use your hands). Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella. Toss gently again with hands.

4. Cover and place in refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

ENJOY!