I had never tried rocket - god its tasty. Just remember never call it lettuce, call it rocket and if people look at you as if they don't understand look back at them as if they should - that's how you succeed in appearing sophisticated- simple yet effective.Anyway onto the recipe, I loved making this because the end result looks pretty good but it's not hard work :)
Ingredients
- 1 packet cherry tomatoes
- 300 grams pasta
- 1 packet rocket
Instructions
- Get a pack of cherry tomatoes, chop then in half and place them on a baking try chopped side up.
- Now using a spoon drizzle each half with olive oil and then a drop of balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper and throw in the oven on high for 20 minutes.We didn't have an air fryer in those days, I actually think this recipe predates air fryers :)
- If you're a dedicated carnivore boil or fry cuts of seasoned chicken and cut into strips. I prefer this one without meat as the pasta adds the weight already.
- Cook the pasta, doesn't matter which shapes you use, I thought shells would look nice
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain and mix everything together. Using a salad bowl, throw in the rocket, add the tomatoes and drained pasta and mix together.
- Throw in the chicken if using, it's just as good without and this can accompany a meat dish.
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of pesto and stir everything through.
- That's it, you're done, you will not believe how good this recipe is !!
- As with all salads this is very flexible indeed, so you can add olives, parmesan, vegetables such as peppers, roasted pine nuts ...
- Have fun.
If you have any leftover ...
- With Grilled Chicken
- With Mozzarella or Feta
- With Soup
- With Boiled Eggs
- With Roasted Vegetables
With Grilled Chicken Add sliced grilled or pan-fried chicken on top. The pesto and roasted tomatoes coat the chicken beautifully, turning the salad into a full dinner.
With Mozzarella or Feta Add torn mozzarella or crumbled feta. The creaminess softens the peppery rocket and makes the salad feel richer and more complete.
With Soup Pair the salad with a simple soup (tomato, vegetable, or chicken). The salad becomes the solid part of the meal, and the soup adds warmth.
With Boiled Eggs Slice boiled eggs and add on top of the salad. The eggs add protein and richness, turning it into a more substantial lunch or light dinner.
With Roasted Vegetables Toss in leftover roasted vegetables (like peppers, courgette, or aubergine). They soak up the pesto and tomato juices, making the salad heartier and great for using up odds and ends.