Asparagus Fennel Pasta Salad

Oven roasted fennel, onion and fresh asparagus pieces are tossed with cooked pasta, diced Greek olives, and minced fresh parsley. Pasta salad is drizzled with vinaigrette prepared from extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper, and crumbled feta cheese. This is a perfect pasta salad recipe for serving with your favorite Greek inspired entrée such, as chicken or fish.

Ingredients -
1 pound Fresh Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 Medium Onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 small Fennel Bulb, sliced
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
8 ounces Penne Pasta, cooked according to package directions, drained
4 medium Tomatoes, seeded and diced
12 pitted Greek Olives, sliced
1 cup minced Fresh Parsley

Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 teaspoon Coarse Salt
1/4 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 cup (4 ounces)Crumbled Feta Cheese
 
Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, place the fennel, onions and asparagus.

3. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and stir to coat.

4. Transfer the mixture to a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until light golden brown, occasionally stirring.

6. Place the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, parsley and roasted vegetables.

7. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

8. Drizzle the dressing over the noodles and vegetables and toss well to coat.

9. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

10. Serve.

 



Pasta Salad Making Tips -
Asparagus

When buying asparagus, look for thin, crisp spears with tightly closed tips. Prepare asparagus by clipping or snapping off the back end, and rinsing lightly. Pat dry.


Pasta Salad Making Tips -
Celeriac

Celeriac is available in the winter months and is a great replacement when lettuce and other salad greens are unavailable or not as fresh as the summer month.


Recipe Ideas:
Avocado Pasta Salad
Baby Shell Pasta Salad Wth Kalamata Olives, Roasted Fennel And Sweet Onions
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bell Pepper White Bean Pasta Salad
Black Bean Pasta Salad
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