it may not be sunny, but it certainly is warm today. So if you're cooking this evening, think about opting for this light and tasty starter. This Penne Pasta Salad with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables, by celebrity chef Edward Hayden, is a great option for a salad starter or as an accompaniment to a barbeque.
Ingredients
- 12oz/350g penne pasta
- 1 red pepper
- 1 green pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 1 courgette
- 1 box cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 3 tablespoons of basil pesto
- 2oz/50g grated Avonmore Cheddar & Mozzarella
- 1oz/25g stoned black olives (optional)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add a little drizzle of olive oil which will stop the pasta from sticking.
- Plunge the pasta into the boiling water and boil according to the packet instructions.
- When the pasta is cooked strain into a large colander and leave it under cold running water until the pasta has completely cooled down. This process is known as blanching and refreshing. Retain it until required.
Meanwhile cut the vegetables into even sized bite size portions and spread out on a baking tray. Season with a little salt and pepper, drizzle with a little oil and place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until all of the vegetables have softened completely.
Allow the vegetables to cool.
Mix the roasted vegetables and the chilled pasta together.
Mix in some seasoning, Avonmore cheddar & mozzarella mix and the basil pesto and stir until the pesto has completely coated all of the vegetables.
Arrange in a large serving bowl.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or as required.
