I don’t know about you, but I am ALWAYS on the hunt for a delicious, fresh pasta salad and this one did not disappoint. Chocked full of fresh summer veggies such as roasted beets, corn, zucchini, summer squash and spinach and then tossed in a simple to make basil vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect go to for your next picnic, gathering, family brunch or a meal prepped lunch! This recipe calls for goat cheese but if you are a non-goat cheese lover (you know your out there!) or a dairy free dieter… either substitute the goat cheese for feta or omit the cheese altogether.

Recipe by: Half Baked Harvest

MAKES

4-6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

BASIL VINAIGRETTE

2 cups fresh basil

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste

kosher salt

SALAD

2-3 small red or yellow beets halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

kosher salt + pepper

1 pound short cut pasta (use gluten free if needed)

4-6 ounces soft goat cheese crumbled (omit for dairy free)

2 small yellow summer squash or zucchini thinly sliced

2 ears fresh corn kernels removed from the cob

1 large bunch watercress or spinach

1 avocado sliced

METHOD

1. Basil Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, blend the basil, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and a pinch red pepper flakes until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

3. Toss the beets together with the olive oil and a good pinch of both salt + pepper. Spread the beets out in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the beets are tender and charred on the edges.

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until a dente. Drain and add the pasta to a large serving bowl. To the hot pasta, add the goat cheese and couple large spoonfuls of the basil vinaigrette, toss well until the goat cheese coats the pasta completely. Add the yellow squash, fresh corn and watercress and toss to combine. Top the pasta with the roasted beets and avocado. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side.