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Smoky Romesco Pasta Salad in large bowl on blue backdrop.
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Smoky Romesco Pasta Salad

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 8 to 10

Ingredients

for the pasta:

  • kosher salt
  • 12 ounces brown rice short pasta, such as fusilli, cavatappi, or penne

for the romesco sauce:

  • 1 heaping cup drained and roughly chopped roasted red bell peppers (from about 1 (12-ounce jar, drained)
  • 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

for the chorizo and breadcrumbs:

  • 8 ounces dry-cured Spanish chorizo, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

for the mix-ins:

  • 1 pint (about 10 ounces) halved grape tomatoes
  • 2/3 cup pitted and roughly chopped Castelvetrano olives
  • 3/4 cup diced manchego cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley, plus more to garnish
  • kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cool water. Set aside to cool entirely before assembling.
  • In a high-speed blender or in a food processor, add the roasted red peppers, shallot, garlic, tomato paste, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, almonds, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend on medium speed until totally smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
  • In a medium skillet set over medium heat, add the diced chorizo and cook until the fat is rendered and the edges are browned and crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the reserved grease in the pan. You should have about 1 tablespoon.
  • To the remaining grease, add the breadcrumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and toasty, about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Add the cooled pasta and romesco sauce to a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Add the grape tomatoes, olives, manchego cheese, crispy chorizo, parsley, and about 1/2 of the breadcrumb mixture and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt, if needed.
  • Garnish with the remaining breadcrumbs and more parsley. Serve cold or room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1597IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 162mg | Iron: 2mg