Orecchiette Gatherings
There’s nothing more satisfying than a picnic table lined with grilled meats, fresh corn on the cob, homemade pies, and hearty side dishes. Furthermore (if you ask me) an outdoor party isn’t complete without a pasta salad loaded with all sorts of colorful tidbits… And recently I’ve been on a bit of a grape kick. I snack on grapes nearly every day and look for interesting ways to incorporate grapes into recipes so I can sneak in another serving…This is a little concerning, since the last time I craved grapes like this I was pregnant, but I digress. There’s just something about their shape and size, and the quiet little burst of sweetness that occurs when the grape-skin pops under the pressure of your teeth. I love that. So needless to say, our pasta salad will include grapes today. Roasted grapes. And roasted tomatoes, along with other things of similar size and shape, making this pasta salad even more appealing.
The combination of the sweet grapes and acidic tomatoes, both with blistered skins, is a wonderful addition to this pasta salad. Pan-roasting the grapes and tomatoes take no time at all. Just place them over high heat for a minute or two, until the skins start to blister. Then puree fresh basil and olive oil for a simple flavorful dressing that keeps the pasta from sticking together. I used Delallo Whole Wheat Orecchiette because orecchiette is shaped like turtle shells, so it’s cute and holds the dressing rather well. I also appreciate knowing I’m serving my family a higher quality pasta that is better for their health. The orecchiette salad was finished by tossing the Delallo Whole Wheat Pasta with the basil oil, roasted grapes, roasted tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and mini fresh mozzarella balls for creamy contrast. It’s fantastic served warm or at room temperature. Don’t be afraid to get-your-grapes-on in all sorts of savory dishes. You’d be surprised at what that little pop of sweetness can do for a dish!
How to Make Orecchiette Pasta with Roasted Grapes and Tomatoes
Ingredients Needed
Delallo Whole Wheat Orecchiette Grape Tomatoes Kalamata Olives Red Grapes Minced Garlic Cloves Packed Fresh Basil Leaves Olive Oil Red Wine Vinegar Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls Salt and Pepper
Steps to Making This Pasta Dish
Can I use green grapes?
You can use any type of grape that you would like, but I prefer to use the seedless red grapes in this recipe.
What other pasta can I use?
If you cannot find any orecchiette pasta any small pasta shape would work as well. Try penne, fusilli, or farfalle pasta.
More Pasta Salad Options
Pasta with Peas, Dill and Smoked Almonds Zesty Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Cool Chicken Taco Pasta Salad Recipe Tuna Pasta Salad with Olives and Capers Recipe Roasted Veggie Whole Wheat Pasta ~ Aggie’s Kitchen
Check out my “Pining for Pasta” Pinterest Board for more ideas! Share This Recipe With Friends!
