Roasted Tomato and Asparagus Penne Pasta Salad

Roasted Tomato and Asparagus Penne Pasta Salad

The Chef In My Head, adapted from Cooking Light

2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne 

12 asparagus spears 

12 cherry tomatoes 

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

1 tablespoon minced shallots

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence

1 1/2 teaspoons honey

1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

2 cups baby arugula (rocket)/spring mix 

1/4 fresh Jicama, cut into matchstix

1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain and set aside.

3. Place asparagus and tomatoes on a jelly-roll pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to coat; arrange asparagus and tomato mixture in a single layer. Bake at 400° for 6 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Remove asparagus from pan. Place pan back in oven, and bake tomatoes an additional 4 minutes. Remove tomatoes from pan; let asparagus and tomatoes stand 10 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths; halve tomatoes.

4. Combine shallots and the next 4 ingredients (through honey) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add remaining 3 tablespoons oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

5. Place pasta, asparagus, tomato, olives, jicama, and arugula in a large bowl; toss. Drizzle juice mixture over pasta mixture; toss. Sprinkle with cheese.