Roasted Onion Pasta Salad with Peppered Cheese Crisps
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: One Dish Meal
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 721.6
Rating: 4.5 (Based on 2 reviews)
This Roasted Onion Pasta Salad with Peppered Cheese Crisps is a delightful Southern Living-inspired recipe that offers a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salads. With its savory roasted onions, tender penne pasta, and a tangy lemon-mayo dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a picnic treat. The addition of the crispy peppered cheese crisps elevates the dish, making it both visually appealing and utterly delicious. The recipe is easy to follow, and within 40 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to go.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Penne Pasta | 1 lb |
| Ham | 3 oz |
| Celery Ribs | 2 |
| Capers | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh Basil | 1 tbsp |
| Asparagus Spears | 6 |
| Plum Tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Blue Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Ground Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
For the Peppered Cheese Crisps:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pita Bread | 2 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 721.6 |
| Total Fat | 25.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4g |
| Cholesterol | 45.1mg |
| Sodium | 1820.4mg |
| Carbohydrates | 100.6g |
| Fiber | 13.9g |
| Sugars | 7.4g |
| Protein | 27g |
Instructions
For the Pasta Salad:
-
Prepare the Roasted Onions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Drizzle the onion strips with olive oil and spread them evenly in a 9-inch square pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat the onions evenly with the seasoning.
Bake the onions for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and caramelized. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool. -
Prepare the Pasta:
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside. -
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, reserved artichoke liquid, and lemon juice. This creamy mixture will coat the salad and add a tangy flavor. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted onions, drained artichoke hearts (reserving 3 tablespoons of their liquid), penne pasta, ham, celery ribs, capers, fresh basil, asparagus spears, and plum tomatoes. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Serve the Salad:
To serve, arrange asparagus spears and tomato slices around a large serving platter. Spoon the chilled pasta mixture into the center of the platter, creating a beautiful display. Top with crumbled blue cheese and serve with peppered cheese crisps on the side for extra crunch.
For the Peppered Cheese Crisps:
-
Prepare the Pita Wedges:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Cut each pita bread into 6 wedges and separate them. -
Make the Cheese Spread:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, ground pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. -
Assemble the Crisps:
Spread the prepared cheese mixture evenly over each pita wedge, making sure the edges are well-coated. -
Bake the Crisps:
Arrange the pita wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the pita wedges are browned and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
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Customization: You can swap out the ham for cooked chicken or bacon if you prefer. The beauty of this salad is its versatility, so feel free to experiment with other veggies or proteins that you enjoy.
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Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Just be sure to keep the peppered cheese crisps separate until serving to maintain their crispiness.
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Perfect for Picnics: This dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a light dinner. The combination of creamy pasta and crispy cheese crisps is always a hit!
This Roasted Onion Pasta Salad with Peppered Cheese Crisps combines vibrant, roasted vegetables with the hearty texture of penne pasta, all wrapped in a tangy mayo dressing. The peppered cheese crisps add a delightful crunch, making it an unforgettable dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue or packing it for a picnic, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its flavor and presentation. Enjoy!
