Broiled Feta Orecchiette Salad with Herb-Infused Tomato and Sausage
This vibrant and hearty dish features orecchiette pasta enveloped in a delightful blend of juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh mint, and sweet roasted red peppers. The star ingredient, broiled feta cheese, adds a creamy, tangy richness that elevates the entire dish. Inspired by my Auntie Anne's unforgettable summer gatherings, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion, delivering a burst of flavors in every bite. Served warm or at room temperature, it's a delightful one-dish meal that your friends and family will be raving about!
10-12
Servings
417
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cherry tomatoes
3 pints (halved)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (plus more for brushing feta)
fresh mint
1/3 cup (chopped in a chiffonade)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for sprinkling on feta)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
roasted red peppers
2 (16 ounce) jars (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
feta cheese
3/4 lb
sweet Italian sausage
1 lb (grilled or broiled)
hot Italian sausage
1 lb (grilled or broiled)
orecchiette
2 lbs (cooked al dente, reserving pasta cooking water)
pasta cooking water
1 cup (if needed for tossing)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, gently toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped mint, and extra virgin olive oil. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Preheat your broiler to high, ensuring the rack is positioned about 6 inches from the heat source.
3
Brush the feta cheese generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano for added flavor.
4
Place the feta on a broiler-safe pan and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until it's golden brown and slightly caramelized on the edges. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5
Meanwhile, in a large pot, combine the cooked orecchiette, roasted red peppers, and both types of grilled sausage. Mix gently to combine.
6
Once the feta is broiled, remove it from the oven and crumble it over the pasta mixture.
7
Pour the tomato and mint mixture over the pasta and add reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired sauciness is reached.
8
Season the entire dish with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
9
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional cracked black pepper and fresh mint if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
33g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Broiled Feta Orecchiette Salad with Herb-Infused Tomato and Sausage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10-12 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the tomato mixture?
The mixture consists of halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh mint, and extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of orecchiette pasta.
How should the feta cheese be prepared for broiling?
The feta should be brushed generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with dried oregano.
How long should the feta be broiled?
Broil the feta for 8-10 minutes until it is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
What is the recommended broiler setting and rack position?
Preheat the broiler to high and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
What types of sausage are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage and 1 lb of hot Italian sausage.
How should the sausages be cooked before adding them to the pasta?
The sausages should be grilled or broiled before being mixed into the salad.
What quantity of cherry tomatoes is required?
You will need 3 pints of cherry tomatoes.
What kind of peppers are used in the salad?
The dish uses two 16-ounce jars of roasted red peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much fresh mint is needed and how should it be cut?
Use 1/3 cup of fresh mint chopped in a chiffonade style.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of carbohydrates.
How is the 'sauciness' of the dish adjusted?
The sauciness is adjusted by adding reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time.
At what temperature should the Broiled Feta Orecchiette Salad be served?
It can be served warm or at room temperature.
What is the total weight of the feta cheese used?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of feta cheese.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a delightful one-dish meal.
What inspired this specific recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the creator's Auntie Anne's summer gatherings.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both the tomato mixture and for brushing the feta.
What seasoning is added to the dish at the end?
The dish is seasoned with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
How should the orecchiette be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked al dente, and you should reserve some cooking water.
What are the suggested garnishes for the final dish?
Additional cracked black pepper and fresh mint are recommended for garnish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, broiled feta, one dish meal, summer salad, italian cuisine, comfort food, and hearty salad.
Is there any sugar or fiber information available?
No, the values for sugar and fiber are not specified in the provided data.
How many different ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the specific preparation for the roasted red peppers?
They should be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can the salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served at room temperature, it is suitable for preparation ahead of a gathering.
What is the role of dried oregano in this dish?
It is used specifically for sprinkling on the feta cheese before it is broiled to add flavor.