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Penne With Summer Tomato Sauce With Fresh Mozzarella And Basil

Penne With Summer Tomato Sauce With Fresh Mozzarella And recipe image
This light and refreshing penne salad captures the essence of summer with juicy ripe tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cubes. The simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes ties the flavors together without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. It&# 226;€™s an effortless weeknight dinner or a perfect side dish for outdoor gatherings. The pasta is tossed while still warm to help it absorb the flavors, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both satisfying and elegant.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Calories: 18.0
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This light and refreshing penne salad captures the essence of summer with juicy ripe tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella cubes. The simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes ties the flavors together without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. It&# 226;€™s an effortless weeknight dinner or a perfect side dish for outdoor gatherings. The pasta is tossed while still warm to help it absorb the flavors, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
  • 4 Ripe Tomatoes, seeded and
  • 1 lb Penne, cooked al dente
  • 1/2 lb Fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 4 Cloves garlic, finely Sliced
  • 1/2 c Olive oil
  • 1 tb Balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 ts Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 c Basil chiffonade
  • to taste Salt
Directions
  1. 1
    Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
  2. 2
    In a large serving bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, finely sliced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, and basil chiffonade.
  3. 3
    Season the tomato mixture with salt to taste and toss gently to combine.
  4. 4
    Add the cooked penne and cubed fresh mozzarella to the bowl.
  5. 5
    Gently stir everything together until the pasta and cheese are evenly coated with the tomato dressing. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 18.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 5.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 3.9g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Sugars 2.6g
Protein 0.9g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve this dish immediately after tossing to ensure the mozzarella retains its fresh texture.

For a vegan variation, substitute the fresh mozzarella with a plant-based mozzarella alternative or omit it entirely for a lighter tomato-pasta salad.

Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. If tomatoes are watery, let the diced tomatoes sit in a colander for 10 minutes before mixing to reduce excess liquid.

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the pasta may absorb more dressing and become softer.

Keywords: penne, summer, tomato, mozzarella, basil, italian, pasta, salad, fresh, easy, weeknight, dinner, vegetarian, light, no-cook, tomato sauce, balsamic, olive oil, garlic, red pepper
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/penne-with-summer-tomato-sauce-with-fresh-mozzarella-and/