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As the summer sun graces us with its warmth, our culinary cravings tend to shift towards dishes that are not only refreshing but also vibrant and full of flavor. One such delightful dish is the Roasted Tomato Feta Pasta Salad. This recipe perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer with its colorful ingredients and simple preparation method. The combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and al dente pasta creates a harmony of tastes and textures that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Roasted Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Discover the essence of summer with this Roasted Tomato Feta Pasta Salad, a bright and flavorful dish perfect for warm days. Featuring juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, and al dente pasta, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Easy to prepare, it's versatile enough for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. With vibrant colors and a delightful aroma, this salad is not just a meal, but a heartwarming experience to share with family and friends. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

3 cups uncooked pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

    Prepare the Tomatoes and Feta: In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. Add the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the tomatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

      Roast in Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the mixture for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out until the tomatoes blister and the feta becomes golden and slightly softened, creating a delicious aroma.

        Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes and feta are roasting, fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rapid boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain, reserving a small cup of pasta water, and set aside.

          Combine Ingredients: After removing the baking dish from the oven, use a fork to gently mash the roasted feta, mixing it with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

            Mix Pasta and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the roasted tomato and feta mixture. Incorporate the fresh basil leaves, sliced kalamata olives if you’re using them, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

              Serve: You can enjoy this salad warm right away, or for enhanced flavors, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl and garnish with additional torn basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.