Banzanella Pasta Salad

Banzanella Pasta Salad

Cook Time: 25 MINUTES

Serves: 2-4 PEOPLE

INGREDIENTS: 8

Ingredients
  • 1 box Banza wheels
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 3-4 roma tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. fresh mozzarella balls
  • Avocado, diced
Directions
  1. Make Dressing: Preheat oven to 475°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Line a baking sheet with foil. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon, half of basil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Set dressing aside until Step 5. 
  2. Roast Tomatoes: Add half of the tomatoes to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper as desired. Bake until lightly blistered and soft, 8-10 minutes.
  3. Cook Banza: While tomatoes roast, add Banza to boiling water and cook according to package directions. Strain but don't rinse, and set aside. 
  4. Crisp Banza: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add the drained wheels and cook until slightly crispy, stirring frequently, 2-3 minutes.
  5. Finish Banzanella: To bowl with dressing, add Banza, roasted tomatoes, remaining raw tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, avocado, and remaining basil and toss to combine. Enjoy!