Mediterranean Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
Indulge in the robust flavors of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing Mediterranean Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish brings together the heartiness of Italian sausage, the richness of roasted vegetables, and the wholesome goodness of fusilli pasta. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes, from the succulent slices of sausage to the caramelized sweetness of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. The addition of cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese enhances the dish with bursts of freshness and tang. Tossed in a zesty Balsamic Herb Dressing, this pasta salad is elevated to a culinary masterpiece, offering a delightful balance of savory, herbal, and slightly tangy notes. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s not just a meal; it’s a Mediterranean journey for your taste buds, embodying the essence of sunny landscapes and coastal bliss. Get ready to savor the Mediterranean experience in every forkful of this sensational pasta salad.
“Give careful consideration to your pasta selection. Opt for shapes like elbows, shells, or orecchiette, as they seamlessly blend with other ingredients. Ruffled options such as campanelle, cascatelli, and the delightful radiatorre provide texture, trapping sauces and dressings for an enjoyable dining experience. Remember to generously salt the pasta water for enhanced flavor, particularly crucial for cold dishes. When cooking the pasta, go slightly beyond al dente, ensuring it retains a firm texture once cooled. Overcooked pasta can turn tough in the fridge, so strike the right balance for a perfect pasta salad every time. the joy of savoring delicious moments. Let’s embark on a pasta salad adventure together!”
“Prioritize oil over vinegar. While a sharply acidic vinaigrette suits leafy greens, exercise restraint with acidic components, particularly vinegar, in pasta salads. Over time, the vinegar can develop an undesirable metallic aftertaste. Elevate the dish by increasing the amount of high-quality oil and incorporating flavor enhancers like whole grain mustard, anchovies, or pesto for a tasteful and balanced result.”
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked fusilli pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
For the Balsamic Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare Pasta and Sausage: Cook fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Cook Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Slice the sausage into rounds.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked fusilli pasta, sliced Italian sausage, roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare Balsamic Herb Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Balsamic Herb Dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Mediterranean Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad with fresh basil.
- Enjoy: Delight in the savory harmony of this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad, featuring Italian sausage, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful balsamic herb dressing