Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad

I have been eating this pasta salad for three straight days. I love the combination of flavors and that I can use whatever vegetable I have on hand. Don't let the long ingredients list deter you, this is an easy salad pasta salad to pull together. It's hearty and filling and makes the perfect snack for the week.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes | Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients

• Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 medium eggplant, trimmed and chopped (about two cups)

  • 2 large bell peppers, chopped (about two cups)

  • 1 cup carrots (chopped)

  • 1 large onion (large slices)

  • Additional vegetables you could add: sweet peppers, zucchini, squash, fennel

  • 3 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)

  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tbsp basil, chopped

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp season salt

• Dressing

  • 1/4 cup EVOO

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

  • 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 tsp oregano

  • 1/2 tbsp parsley

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • Fresh grated ginger (to taste)

• Pasta Salad

  • Penne pasta

  • EVOO

  • Additional optional toppings: Sun dried tomatoes (check our oven roasted tomatoes recipe), black olives, parsley leaves, cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 and line baking sheets with parchment paper

2. In a large bowl toss together your vegetables, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Toss to coat.

3. Spread vegetables over baking sheet in an even layer, sprinkle with your basil, and bake until soft (just beginning to caramelize), about 15 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

4. While veggies are roasting make your dressing. In a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. Seal your jar and give a good shake to combine.

5. In a medium saucepan, cook your pasta according to package directions. Do not rinse your pasta with cold water, just toss some olive oil to prevent if from sticking.

6. In a large bowl, toss together your cooked pasta, roasted veggies, and additional toppings

7. You can add the salad dressing at this point or add it as you serve the salad