There is something so joyful about a bowl of bright, fresh pasta salad on the holiday table. This Christmas Pasta Salad is full of ruby sun-dried tomatoes, tender bow-tie pasta, silky mozzarella, and peppery arugula. Every bite feels festive, colorful, and wonderfully simple.
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This is the kind of dish I lean on during the busy season. It comes together quickly, travels well, and tastes even better as it sits. If you want a holiday side that looks beautiful without any fuss, this Christmas Pasta Salad delivers. Ready to make it together? Let's get cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festive colors that brighten any holiday spread
- Quick prep and ideal for busy winter days
- Family-friendly flavors with a fresh twist
- Easy to make ahead for gatherings
- Light but satisfying alongside richer dishes
INGREDIENTS
For the pasta salad
- 16 oz bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls, halved if needed
- 1 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula, roughly chopped
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
For the dressing
- ¾ cup pesto
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Bow-tie pasta holds the dressing beautifully, but rotini or penne work as well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed tomatoes give the salad a deeper flavor and velvety texture.
- Mozzarella: Fresh pearls melt into the pasta as they sit. If the sizes vary, just slice them in half.
- Arugula: Adds a peppery bite. Baby spinach can substitute for a milder version.
- Dressing: The pesto-Italian dressing combo creates a bright, herby coating. If you prefer a lighter finish, add an extra splash of Italian dressing.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside until completely cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the pesto and Italian dressing until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and mozzarella. Add the cooled pasta and pour the dressing over top. Toss gently to coat.
- Add the greens: Fold in the chopped arugula.
- Finish and serve: Right before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze. The glossy finish makes the colors pop and adds a sweet tang.
Pro Tips for Success
Top Tip
- Cool the pasta completely so the dressing clings instead of sliding off.
- Chop ingredients into similar sizes for a balanced bite.
- Add the arugula at the end to keep it crisp and bright.
- Taste before serving. A pinch of salt or splash of dressing can wake up the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- Stir before serving to refresh the dressing.
- This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead.
- Cook the pasta and prep all mix-ins the day before. Assemble right before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta and greens lose their structure.
Tips and Variations
- Holiday twist: Add roasted red peppers or a handful of fresh basil ribbons for extra color.
- More protein: Fold in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a fuller meal.
- Crunch factor: Toasted pine nuts give a lovely nutty bite.
- Lighter version: Swap half the pesto for extra Italian dressing.
- Serving idea: Arrange on a wide platter so the red, green, and white shine through.
FAQs
Yes. Assemble everything except the arugula and balsamic glaze. Add those right before serving for the freshest taste.
Bow-tie pasta holds the ingredients beautifully, but rotini and penne are great options for a heartier texture.
Absolutely. Homemade pesto gives even more aroma and richness.
Toss the pasta with a spoonful of dressing while it cools. It keeps the noodles tender and flavorful.
📖 Recipe
Christmas Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There is something so joyful about a bowl of bright, fresh pasta salad on the holiday table. This Christmas Pasta Salad is full of ruby sun-dried tomatoes, tender bow-tie pasta, silky mozzarella, and peppery arugula. Every bite feels festive, colorful, and wonderfully simple.
Ingredients
- 16 oz bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls, halved if needed
- 1 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula, roughly chopped
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- ¾ cup pesto
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside until completely cool.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the pesto and Italian dressing until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and mozzarella. Add the cooled pasta and pour the dressing over top. Toss gently to coat.
- Fold in the chopped arugula.
- Right before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze. The glossy finish makes the colors pop and adds a sweet tang.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Stir before serving to refresh the dressing. This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead. Cook the pasta and prep all mix-ins the day before. Assemble right before serving for the best texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta and greens lose their structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday ham, or a simple soup. I often set it beside heavier casseroles to bring a fresh, bright moment to the table. It also shines at potlucks where a chilled, colorful dish is always welcomed.
Related Recipes
- You may also like my Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad for another bright, make-ahead holiday side.
- https://letsflytasty.com/easy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe/
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