Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad 🍝🥗

This vibrant and hearty pasta salad is a delightful way to enjoy roasted vegetables and fresh flavors. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients! The combination of roasted veggies and pesto creates a perfect harmony of flavors, and it can be served warm or chilled—ideal for any season! 🌞❄️

Ingredients

For the roasted veggies

• 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, halved lengthwise
• 1 zucchini, cut into cubes
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For the pasta salad

• 1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
• 3/4 cup prepared pesto sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting those veggies to perfection!

2. Prepare the vegetables: Spread the halved tomatoes, cubed zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and onion onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Roast the veggies: Bake in the preheated oven until they're tender and starting to brown, about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook!

   🔥 Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely caramelized flavor. Yum!

4. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini in the boiling water until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

5. Combine everything: Once the vegetables have cooled and the pasta is ready, peel and discard the skins from the roasted tomatoes. In a large bowl, combine the roasted veggies, rotini, and pesto. Toss gently until everything is well coated.

6. Serve your dish: This salad can be enjoyed slightly warm or chilled—both options are delicious!

   🍽️ For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some grated cheese or toasted nuts on top before serving for added texture and flavor!

Variations

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or beans for a protein boost. This will make the dish more filling and satisfying! 👩‍🍳
• Different Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies! Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are excellent choices!
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free pesto and skip the cheese toppings to keep it fully plant-based.
• Pasta alternatives: Swap rotini for quinoa or a gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Enjoy this colorful and flavorful Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad at your next meal! 🥳✨