Warm Mediterranean Grain-Free Pasta Salad
Today's mood was “Pasta Salad.” I wanted something warm and comforting (I’m sleep deprived), but clean…the result was made with all of my pantry/fridge staples (the exception being fresh Italian parsley—a staple IMO). I grabbed a bag of frozen artichoke hearts, blanched and roasted them using Kosterina’s Spicy Red Pepper Olive Oil and JF Spicy Salt. Tossed a box of grain-free orzo in yellow cherry tomato arrabbiata sauce with Kalamata olives, vegan feta, roasted red peppers, Italian parsley, and a big squeeze of fresh lemon, finished with JF Spicy Salt. The result was a Mediterranean salad vibe that totally hit the spot. Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main.
INGREDIENTS
1 package (8oz) grain-free orzo, cooked according to package (I like Jovial)
Cherry tomato arrabbiata sauce, to taste (I like Our Pantry)
JF Roasted Artichokes, chopped
A handful of Italian parsley, chopped
10 Kalamata olives, chopped (I like Jeff’s Garden)
Roasted red peppers, chopped (I like Jeff’s Garden)
Vegan feta, crumbled (I like Trader Joe’s)
½ lemon, juiced
JF Spicy Salt, to taste
Roasted Artichokes:
Artichokes, blanched and dried
Kosterina’s Spicy Red Pepper Olive Oil
JF Spicy Salt
PROCESS
Roasted Artichokes
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º. On a prepared baking sheet, toss your blanched artichokes in Kosterina’s Spicy Red Pepper Olive Oil and season well with my JF Spicy Salt.
Step 2: Convection roast for about 30 minutes until they're slightly crisp and browned on the exterior; add more olive oil as needed.
Warm Mediterranean Grain-Free Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare your grain-free orzo according to the package. When it’s done, drain and rinse to remove any residue.
Step 2: Transfer to a clean pot and toss in the cherry tomato arrabbiata sauce; coat evenly.
Step 3: Work in our roasted artichokes, fresh parsley, olives, roasted red peppers, vegan feta, and the juice of half a lemon. Top with JF Spicy Salt, extra parsley, whole Kalamata olives, and roasted artichokes.
Step 4: Enjoy warm with your favorite protein if you don't want a fully vegan version.