Creamy Romesco Pasta Salad
This is one of those recipes that tastes so rich and delicious, that you wouldn't have guessed that it's actually packed with nutrients and protein. This Creamy Romesco Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep lunches, family get-togethers or as a barbecue side.
Ingredients
- 260 grams pasta of choice penne, fusilli or farfalle work well for pasta salads
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 3 handfuls rocket (arugula)
For the Creamy Romesco Dressing
- 4-5 jarred roasted red peppers
- 3 sundried tomatoes
- 200 grams silken tofu
- 30 grams cashews soaked in boiled water for 10 minutes to soften
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
For the Crispy Chickpeas
- 1 tin cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp oil of choice
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder/granules
Instructions
- Start by making the crispy chickpeas: preheat your oven to 200C and line a baking tray with baking paper. Add the chickpeas to the tray along with the rest of the ingredients and mix well (I use my hands for this part to really get the flavour coating the chickpeas!) Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and leave to cool.
- Place your pasta onto boil according to packet instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the Creamy Romesco Sauce: add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend on high until smooth. Taste test and add any more seasonings to your preference (for example, add more salt if needed, or more lemon if it needs more tang, or more chilli flakes if spice is needed)
- Bring your salad together by adding the pasta, crispy chickpeas, red onion and rocket to a large bowl, then drizzle over the Romesco Dressing and toss to combine.*You can also layer up the ingredients in jars to make pasta salad jars - start with the dressing at the bottom, then the pasta, crispy chickpeas, red onion, and rocket at the top, then you can just flip over into your bowl or plate and toss to combine!Enjoy x