Imagine a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky char of grilled zucchini, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the tangy punch of balsamic vinaigrette - all tossed together in a perfect pasta medley. This Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece you can easily create in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced and grilled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne) and set it aside. Rinse 1 medium zucchini and slice it into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Halve 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes and set them aside as well. Lastly, gather 1/4 cup of mozzarella balls and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the zucchini slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the zucchini slices on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Remove the zucchini from the grill and let it cool slightly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool the pasta down for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled zucchini pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Adjust the amount of vinaigrette to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to an hour to serve it chilled.
- Enjoy your Balsamic Pasta Salad with Grilled Zucchini as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette and grill your zucchini until you see those beautiful caramelized grill marks.
- Cook your pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring a perfect texture in your salad.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste.
- For extra freshness, consider adding fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts just before serving.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a day, making it perfect for meal prep or summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
