Mozzarella Caprese Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

🍅🌿 Tomato, Basil Pasta Salad With Pine Nuts 🧀🍝

If you’re craving a refreshing dish bursting with flavors, look no further than this delightful Tomato, Basil Pasta Salad With Pine Nuts recipe! Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe combines the freshness of vine-ripened tomatoes with fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, nutty pine nuts, and a hint of garlic and olive oil. And the best part? It comes together in just over an hour, including marinating time, making it ideal for those busy days when you need something quick and satisfying on the table.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 vine-ripened tomatoes
• 3 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 lb pasta (of your choice)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:

   • Begin by mixing together the diced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves (chopped), and minced garlic cloves in a large bowl.
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well-balanced.
   • For an extra kick, you can add optional red pepper flakes to the mixture at this stage, giving your salad a subtle spicy note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

2. Marinate with Olive Oil:

   • Once your tomato mixture is seasoned to perfection, drizzle the olive oil over the top, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-coated.
   • Gently toss everything together until the tomatoes, basil, and garlic are evenly coated in the fragrant olive oil.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more vibrant and delicious salad.

3. Cook the Pasta:

   • While the tomato mixture is marinating, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
   • Be sure to salt the boiling water generously before adding the pasta, as this will infuse it with flavor from the inside out.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large serving bowl, ready to be combined with the flavorful tomato mixture.

4. Combine and Toss:

   • Now comes the fun part! Add the marinated tomato mixture and diced mozzarella cheese to the cooked pasta in the serving bowl.
   • Gently toss everything together until the mozzarella begins to melt slightly, coating the pasta in creamy goodness and infusing it with even more flavor.

5. Final Touches:

   • To finish off your Tomato, Basil Pasta Salad, sprinkle the top generously with grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
   • The parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich element, while the pine nuts contribute a delightful crunch and nuttiness that elevates the dish to new heights.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

   • Your Tomato, Basil Pasta Salad With Pine Nuts is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
   • Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness, if desired, and dig in to savor the delicious flavors of summer in every bite.

With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, this Tomato, Basil Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck dinner, or simply craving a taste of summer, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast! 🌞🍽️