Springy Pesto Pasta Salad

Marinated onion ingredients:

• 1/2 red onion; thinly sliced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Roasted asparagus ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus; stalks cut off and cut into 1 inch pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of red chili flakes

Other ingredients:

• 1 (4 oz) package of proscuitto

• 1 box of pasta (about 1 lb)

• 1 cup of frozen peas

• 1 carton (about 2 cups) of cherry tomatoes; sliced in half

• 2 scallions; sliced thin

• 1 (8 oz) container of mini mozzarella balls

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 1 (6.7 oz) container of pesto

• 2 tbsp of good quality olive oil

• Salt + pepper (to taste)

First let’s prep the marinated onions by combining all the ingredients (onions, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, olive oil and red wine vinegar) in a small bowl. Toss it together and set it aside. You should do this first, so that the onions have enough time to marinate.

Preheat your oven to 350F and prep two baking sheets with parchment paper. On one baking sheet, toss together your chopped up asparagus, olive oil and chili flakes. Spread that in an even layer across the baking sheet. Then on the other, lay your prosciutto pieces out flake. Bake the asparagus for about 15 - 18 minutes and bake the prosciutto for about 20 minutes (or until crispy). Set both sheets aside for later.

Prep a large pot with salted water and bring that to a boil. Cook your pasta as directed on the box / bag but add in your frozen peas about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drizzle with a touch of olive oil.

Now it is time to combine everything!

In a large bowl add in your pasta with peas, roasted asparagus, crispy prosciutto (break it up in your hands), marinated onions, cherry tomatoes, scallions and mozzarella balls. Toss everything together gently. add in your lemon juice, pesto, a large pinch of kosher salt and a few cranks of pepper.

Toss is all together and taste it - adjust any seasoning. Serve room temp and keep in the refrigerator for a great meal prep.