This delicious Pasta Salad with Roasted Tomatoes is a perfect light pasta salad for summer BBQ's and get togethers! Slow roasted tomatoes are combined with pasta, olives and basil. Everything is drizzled with a simple, fresh, lemon-based dressing that just screams SUMMER!!
red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
Boil orzo (or other pasta) according to al dente, according to package directions.
While pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing. Set aside.
Drain pasta and run under cold water to stop cooking and help cool down the pasta quickly.
Add pasta to a large serving bowl. Then, add kalamata olives, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything with the dressing until pasta is well coated. Add red pepper flakes or fresh ground pepper, if you like.
Serve immediately or refrigerate. I like serving this salad at room temperature, so pull it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before you are ready to serve. Pasta salad keeps great in the fridge and can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
If you don't want to take the time to roast tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes such a sweet cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or even chopped heirloom tomatoes. You won't get the sweet flavor of the roasted tomatoes, but it will save you a bit of time. You can also substitute in jarred sun dried tomatoes.
Nutrition information is only an estimate. Info is based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator.