How to Make Roasted Eggplant and Asparagus Pasta Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad to enjoy on a warm summer day, and this Roasted Eggplant and Asparagus Pasta Salad is sure to become a new favorite. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish combines the smoky, earthy taste of roasted eggplant and the crisp, vibrant flavors of asparagus, all mixed with al dente pasta and a zesty vinaigrette. Whether you're looking for a delicious side dish for a barbecue or a satisfying main course for a light lunch, this pasta salad is ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 eggplant, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
  • garlic powder, or to taste
  • 1 (1 pound) package whole-wheat penne pasta
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch salt-free seasoning blend
  • freshly ground black pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 35 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Place a baking rack in the top of the oven.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Spread asparagus spears and eggplant slices on the baking sheet, and drizzle vegetables with 1/4 cup olive oil; sprinkle with garlic powder.
  • Roast the asparagus and eggplant in the preheated oven until tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool. When cool, roughly chop the vegetables; set aside.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through but is still slightly firm, about 9 minutes. Drain well.
  • Transfer about 1/4 of the penne at a time into a large salad bowl, drizzling each batch with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Stir between additions.
  • Stir in roasted asparagus and eggplant, lemon juice, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until thoroughly combined.
  • Sprinkle pasta salad with salt-free seasoning and black pepper.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad until thoroughly chilled and the flavors have blended, at least 3 hours.
  • Nutrition

    209 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 2mg
    • Sodium: 52mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 35mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 86mg