Spicy Orzo Pasta Salad with Roasted Tomatoes
Spicy Orzo Pasta Salad is the most delicious way to use cherry tomatoes - especially if they're homegrown! Orzo pasta tossed with sweet roasted tomatoes, fresh spinach, toasted walnuts then seasoned with lemon and harissa to create a spicy and sweet pasta salad with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup toasted walnut pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2.5 Tbs olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, plus a pinch for the tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus a pinch for the tomatoes
- 8 ounces dry orzo pasta
- 1 zest of 1 lemon + juice of 1/2 of lemon
- 2 tsp harissa seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
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Heat oven to 400 F. Pop the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes while the oven is heating. Don't forget to set a timer - nuts can burn so quickly!
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On a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet, combine sliced tomatoes with 1 Tbs olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes until juicy and starting to brown.
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While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Approx. 8 min.
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When the pasta is cooked, drain and place in a large mixing bowl. While the pasta is still warm, add 1.5 Tbs olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, juice of half a lemon, garlic, 1/2 tsp Kosher salt and harissa seasoning. Mix well.
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Add chopped spinach and walnuts. Gently mix.
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Add roasted tomatoes with their juices. Toss to combine.
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Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
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Serve warm or room temperature.
Notes
*Options: add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.