Spinach and Grilled Portobello Pasta Salad by Catelli Bistro
This refreshing pasta salad combines tender grilled portobello mushrooms with fresh spinach for a delicious and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s full of vibrant flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time20 min
Total Time35 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cooking Tips
Grill the Portobello mushrooms until they are tender and slightly charred to enhance their natural umami flavor.
Use fresh spinach leaves for a bright, crisp texture. Baby spinach works especially well.
Toss the pasta with the dressing while it’s still warm to help it absorb more flavor.
Ingredients
0/16
Why You'll Love Making This
This dish brings together fresh spinach and smoky grilled Portobello mushrooms for a delicious and healthy pasta salad. It’s full of vibrant flavors and textures that make it perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. When there are about three minutes left, toss in the asparagus so it cooks just right. Once everything is tender, drain it and move it to a large bowl.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat up your grill to medium-high. Brush the mushroom caps with some olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Grill the mushrooms for around five minutes on each side until they’re nicely marked and soft. Once done, take them off the grill and slice them up.
Step 3
Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing.
Step 4
Add the grilled mushrooms, fresh spinach, sliced onion, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta and asparagus. Pour the dressing over everything and give it a good toss so all the flavors come together. Let the salad sit for about half an hour to let everything soak in.
Step 5
Just before serving, sprinkle some goat cheese and fresh basil on top for a tasty finish.
58
people cooked this recipe
ByDavid Brown
David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.
Serving Options To Try
Serve this salad on its own for a light meal or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein. It also makes a great side dish for summer barbecues or picnic lunches. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
Leftover Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing the salad just before serving. Reheat gently if preferred warm, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini will work well.
How do I know when the portobello mushrooms are done grilling?
They should be soft and have nice grill marks, usually about 5 minutes per side.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate; just add the goat cheese and basil before serving.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
Feta or ricotta salata are good alternatives with similar texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Omit the goat cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute, and ensure the dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Can I roast the mushrooms instead of grilling them?
Yes, roasting at 400°F for 15-20 minutes works well as an alternative.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
About 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of the ones packed in oil?
Yes, but rehydrate them in warm water first to soften before adding to the salad.
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