This Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad is a beautiful and fresh dish that brings out the best of roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the bell peppers perfectly complements the tangy dressing, and the addition of Kalamata olives and fresh herbs adds a Mediterranean flair. The feta cheese, if used, adds just the right creamy touch to round out the flavor profile.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ideal for summer gatherings or light lunches, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season’s best produce while keeping the meal light and satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 pound fusilli pasta
-
4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), roasted and chopped
-
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
-
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
-
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
-
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
-
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
-
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon honey
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until skins are charred and blistered. Once done, remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let them steam for 10 minutes.
-
After steaming, peel the skins off the peppers and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
-
While the peppers roast, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
-
Add the chopped roasted peppers, red onion, olives, and pasta to the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
-
Stir in the fresh basil, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
-
Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You Should Try Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad
This Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad brings together the bold flavors of roasted bell peppers and fresh vegetables, with a dressing that highlights the Mediterranean flavors of olive oil, vinegar, and mustard. It’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a satisfying, yet light meal that won’t weigh them down. The roasted peppers, in particular, elevate the dish with their deep, smoky flavor, providing a sweet contrast to the acidity of the dressing and the salty notes of Kalamata olives and feta.
It’s also a great dish for anyone following a vegetarian, vegan, or Mediterranean diet. The pasta base provides a hearty texture, while the peppers and olives offer a burst of color and nutrients. Furthermore, this dish is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks.
The Beauty of Roasted Peppers
The star of this recipe is, without a doubt, the roasted peppers. Roasting bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness, which intensifies as the vegetables char in the oven. When roasted, the peppers develop a slightly smoky flavor, which enhances the other components of the salad. As they cook, their skins blister and darken, creating an aromatic, caramelized effect that gives the entire dish its irresistible depth.
The roasting process is simple but brings out a complexity in flavor that fresh peppers just can’t replicate. Whether you use red, yellow, or orange peppers (or a combination of them), each variety offers something unique to the dish. Red peppers are the sweetest, while yellow and orange peppers provide a milder, slightly fruity taste. Roasting your own peppers also gives you more control over their texture and flavor—perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their dishes.
Perfect Pasta Pairing
For this dish, fusilli pasta is used, a spiral-shaped pasta that captures the dressing and bits of roasted pepper beautifully. Its twists and turns allow for the perfect balance of pasta and dressing in every bite. However, feel free to substitute fusilli with other pasta shapes, such as penne, farfalle, or rotini, depending on your preference. The pasta serves as the base, carrying the flavors of the roasted peppers and herbs, making it a satisfying and filling dish.
This pasta salad is particularly great because the pasta works so well with the crunchy peppers and soft feta, giving each bite an interesting variety of textures. The key to making the best pasta salad is ensuring that the pasta is cooked al dente—firm enough to hold its shape while mixing with the other ingredients, but tender enough to provide a satisfying bite.
Mediterranean Influence
One of the things that makes this Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad stand out is its Mediterranean influence. The dressing combines extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, creating a tangy and slightly sweet base. The Dijon mustard gives the dressing a subtle kick, while the honey balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the roasted peppers.
Adding Kalamata olives provides a briny, salty contrast to the sweetness of the peppers and honey. These olives are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and bring an earthy richness to the dish. Fresh herbs, including basil and parsley, provide freshness and a burst of vibrant color. The addition of crumbled feta cheese is optional, but if included, it adds a creamy, salty note that elevates the entire salad.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a vegan version, simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. If you want a spicier version of the salad, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You could also incorporate other roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
If you’re not a fan of olives, try adding capers for a similar briny flavor or omit them altogether for a simpler dish. You can also experiment with different types of pasta—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even a gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas or lentils, for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s ideal as a light main dish for lunch or dinner, but it also works wonderfully as a side at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. You can pair it with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or seafood, making it a fantastic complement to any summer meal.
Because this salad can be made ahead of time, it’s perfect for meal prep. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Health Benefits of Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also offers a variety of health benefits. The roasted bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for immune function and skin health. They’re also rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress.
The olives provide healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The fresh herbs and feta cheese add additional vitamins and minerals, and the pasta provides carbohydrates for energy.
Conclusion
Roasted Pepper Pasta Salad is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings the bold, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With its combination of roasted peppers, fresh herbs, tangy dressing, and hearty pasta, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd. The best part is that it’s customizable, so you can adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Try this recipe today and discover how simple, fresh ingredients can create a delicious, satisfying meal.