Baked Feta Tomato Pasta Salad
A delightful fusion of creamy baked feta and juicy cherry tomatoes, this pasta salad is a refreshing take on a popular Mediterranean dish.
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish suitable for oven use
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block about 8 oz feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 12 oz pasta penne or fusilli
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures a hot oven for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Place a block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the cheese is soft.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Stir the feta and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and color.
- Serve the pasta salad warm or allow it to cool and serve as a cold salad. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave until warmed through or enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Let the salad sit for a few hours for deeper flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions: Try goat cheese instead of feta, or use gluten-free pasta.
How to Serve: Great as a main dish or side. Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Best eaten within 3 days. Keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish a day in advance to let flavors meld. Add fresh basil just before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions: Try goat cheese instead of feta, or use gluten-free pasta.
How to Serve: Great as a main dish or side. Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Best eaten within 3 days. Keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish a day in advance to let flavors meld. Add fresh basil just before serving.