Name: Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3/4 cup acini di pepe pasta; Salt, for boiling water; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup stracciatella cheese (about 4 oz); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe makes a light, fresh pasta dish bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. This delightful pasta salad combines the sweet intensity of oven-roasted tomatoes with the creamy, luscious texture of stracciatella cheese, all held together by tiny, delicate acini di pepe pasta. Perfectly balanced, colorful, and irresistibly satisfying, this recipe brings a burst of summer sunshine to your table anytime you want a refreshing yet comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless flavor: Roasting the tomatoes deepens their sweetness, creating a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Light and satisfying: The small acini di pepe pasta keeps the dish delicate yet filling enough for any meal.
Creamy texture contrast: Stracciatella adds a rich, fresh creaminess that melts perfectly against the roasted tomatoes and pasta.
Vibrant colors: The dish looks stunning on a plate, full of reds, whites, and greens that make it as appealing visually as it is tasty.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it warm, chilled, or at room temperature for picnics, lunches, or dinner sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe. Each component is essential in building texture, flavor, and a fresh Mediterranean vibe that shines in every bite.

Roasted tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes roasted to deepen sweetness and add smoky undertones.
Acini di pepe pasta: Tiny pearls of pasta perfect for soaking up flavors while remaining light and tender.
Stracciatella cheese: Smooth, creamy cheese adding luxurious texture and mild tang.
Fresh basil: Bright herbaceous notes that complement the roasted tomatoes perfectly.
Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and smoothness, blending all flavors harmoniously.
Garlic: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the delicate elements.
Lemon juice: Zesty brightness to lift all the flavors with a refreshing finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient and balance the dish.

Variations for Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

This dish adapts wonderfully to your pantry and dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to make it your own.

Herb swaps: Try fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley instead of basil for a different herbal touch.
Cheese alternatives: Substitute stracciatella with burrata, fresh mozzarella, or ricotta for creaminess.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a hearty main course.
Vegetable upgrade: Include roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or olives to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
Vegan option: Replace stracciatella with a cashew cream or a vegan mozzarella alternative.

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe Pasta Salad

How to Make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Roasting unlocks the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Acini di Pepe Pasta

While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe and cook according to package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes until tender but still with a slight bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This light, tangy dressing will brighten the flavors and tie the dish together.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the roasted tomatoes, torn fresh basil leaves, and the lemon-olive oil dressing. Fold in generous spoonfuls of stracciatella cheese at the last moment to keep its creamy texture intact.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

This pasta salad can be served immediately for a warm, comforting bite, or chilled for an hour to let the flavors meld perfectly. Both ways taste incredible.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Roast tomatoes evenly: Spread tomatoes in a single layer to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
Don’t overcook pasta: Keep acini di pepe slightly al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the salad.
Add cheese last: Fold in stracciatella gently at the end to preserve its creamy, airy texture.
Use high-quality olive oil: It makes a huge difference in flavor and richness for the dressing.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go to balance the salt and acidity perfectly.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Garnishes

Finish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a final burst of freshness and texture. Optional chili flakes add a subtle kick if you love spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a light green salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also makes a lovely side for grilled fish or chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe in small bowls for a casual lunch or in a large vibrant platter when entertaining guests. Layer it in mason jars for picnic-friendly portions or as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the stracciatella separate and add it fresh before serving to maintain creaminess.

Freezing

Because of the fresh cheese and delicate roasted tomatoes, this dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freezing affects texture and flavor negatively.

Reheating

If you prefer the salad warm, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, but add fresh stracciatella only after warming to preserve its creamy texture.

FAQs

What is acini di pepe pasta?

Acini di pepe is a tiny pasta shaped like peppercorns, perfect for light salads because it holds flavors well while maintaining a delicate bite.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, grape or cherry tomatoes work best for roasting because they caramelize nicely, but Roma or plum tomatoes can be used if cut into smaller pieces.

Is stracciatella cheese the same as burrata?

Stracciatella is the creamy, shredded center of burrata cheese, known for its rich, soft texture and fresh flavor, making it ideal for this recipe.

How long can I make Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe in advance?

It’s best made the same day or the day before, storing components separately when possible, especially keeping the cheese fresh until serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by substituting stracciatella with a plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version with all the Mediterranean vibes.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug in a bowl. Its simple yet bold ingredients come together in perfect harmony, making it an ideal dish to enjoy any time of year. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a light meal, give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to bring vibrant, fresh flavor to your table.

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian (with vegan option)

Print Recipe

Description

Roasted Tomato & Stracciatella Acini di Pepe is a light and refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad featuring sweet oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, tiny acini di pepe pasta, and creamy stracciatella cheese. Enhanced with fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil, this colorful dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled and makes a perfect meal or side full of vibrant flavors and delightful textures.

Instructions

Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry or grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness.
Cook the Acini di Pepe Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 6-8 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a light, tangy dressing that brightens all flavors.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the roasted tomatoes, torn fresh basil leaves, and the lemon-olive oil dressing. Fold in generous spoonfuls of stracciatella cheese at the last moment to keep its creamy texture intact.
Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad immediately while warm for comforting bites, or chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Both options are delicious.

Notes

Spread tomatoes in a single layer for even roasting and caramelization.
Do not overcook the acini di pepe pasta; keep it slightly al dente to avoid mushiness.
Fold in the stracciatella cheese gently at the end to preserve its creamy, airy texture.
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance flavor and richness.
Taste and adjust seasonings gradually to balance salt and acidity perfectly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking and Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean