Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances freshness, creaminess, and a delightful texture, this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe salad is exactly what you need. Featuring tender Acini di Pepe pasta nestled in a bed of rich, velvety stracciatella cheese and topped with sweet, caramelized roasted tomatoes, this recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a stunning potluck contribution, this salad brings vibrant flavors and an irresistible charm to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavor Harmony: The roasted tomatoes deepen the flavor while the stracciatella adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the pasta.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few quality ingredients, you get maximum taste without complicated prep work.
• Versatile & Light: This salad can be enjoyed as a side or main and is wonderfully light yet satisfying.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vivid reds of the tomatoes and the snowy white cheese create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have this ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making the flavors of the Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe shine. Each component brings unique texture, taste, or color, making the dish not only delicious but visually appealing.

• Acini di Pepe pasta: Small, bead-like pasta that holds onto the cheese and dressing beautifully.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes: Roasted to intensify sweetness and add depth to the dish.
• Stracciatella cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts slightly on the warm pasta for a luxurious texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors together.
• Fresh basil: Provides an herbal brightness that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Roasted alongside tomatoes to add subtle savory notes.
• Salt and pepper: Enhance the natural sweetness and creaminess with just the right seasoning.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a subtle zing that balances the richness of the cheese.

Variations for Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to tweak it based on what you have on hand, your dietary preferences, or your personal flavor goals. Here are some tasty variations to consider.

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Veggie upgrade: Mix in roasted zucchini or eggplant for more texture and flavor.
• Dairy-free option: Swap stracciatella for a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for similar creaminess.
• Herb twist: Try fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil for a different herbal aroma.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to bring some heat.

How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized and the garlic is fragrant and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Acini di Pepe Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the Acini di Pepe according to package instructions, typically about 6 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple dressing brightens the dish and ties all the flavors together.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled Acini di Pepe pasta, roasted tomatoes, and gentle-squeezed roasted garlic. Tear the stracciatella cheese into pieces and fold it in, allowing the creaminess to coat the pasta. Drizzle the lemon-olive oil dressing and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, tear fresh basil leaves over the top for an aromatic, colorful finish that elevates the entire dish.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

• Pick ripe tomatoes: The sweeter and juicier your tomatoes, the better your roasted flavor will be.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Acini di Pepe should remain slightly firm to maintain texture in the salad.
• Room temperature ingredients: Combine ingredients at room temperature to preserve the creamy texture of stracciatella.
• Roast garlic whole: Roasting garlic in the skin softens its flavors and makes it easy to squeeze out gently.
• Use quality cheese: Fresh stracciatella elevates this dish—look for high-quality cheese from a trusted deli or market.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Garnishes

Add extra basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch and added flavor burst.

Side Dishes

Pair with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Grilled vegetables or a light protein such as fish also complement this dish wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual glass bowls or clear jars to showcase the vibrant colors, or arrange it on a large platter with a sprinkle of microgreens for a stunning buffet display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the stracciatella is delicate, the texture may soften but flavors will remain delightful.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the creamy stracciatella and pasta texture will suffer.

Reheating

If desired, serve leftovers chilled or at room temperature, as reheating can cause the cheese to separate and the pasta to become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta instead of Acini di Pepe?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like orzo, couscous, or tiny shells work well and offer similar texture and bite for this salad.

What if I can’t find stracciatella cheese?

If stracciatella isn’t available, fresh mozzarella or burrata makes a great substitute, though stracciatella offers the creamiest texture.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the stracciatella with a creamy vegan ricotta or cashew cream, and ensure the pasta is egg-free.

How long do the roasted tomatoes keep their flavor in the salad?

The roasted tomatoes stay flavorful for up to 2 days refrigerated but are best enjoyed the day they’re roasted for peak freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

It can be prepped ahead by roasting tomatoes and cooking pasta separately, then combining everything just before serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish, you simply must try this Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe. It’s an effortless way to impress your taste buds and guests alike with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Grab your ingredients, get roasting, and enjoy this beautiful celebration of simple, fresh Italian flavors any day of the week.

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