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As the warm weather settles in and the sun graces us with its presence, there's nothing quite like a refreshing dish to celebrate the season. Chilled Pesto Pasta Delight is the epitome of summer dining, combining the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked al dente pasta. This dish not only captures the essence of summer but also offers a delightful way to enjoy a light, nutritious meal.

Cold Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Refresh your summer meals with Chilled Pesto Pasta Delight, a vibrant dish that captures the essence of the season. Made with fresh basil, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this recipe is perfect for picnics or casual dinners. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it serves up a nutritious meal that tantalizes the taste buds. Discover how to create this delightful dish and impress your family and friends with its irresistible flavors.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (fusilli or penne work well)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted for extra flavor

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup high-quality olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - optional

Extra fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the packed fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of sea salt. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped. While the processor is running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

      Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, transfer the cooled pasta and pour the freshly made pesto over it. Gently toss the pasta with the pesto using a spatula or tongs until every piece is evenly coated.

        Incorporate Tomatoes and Cheese: Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls (if using). This adds a delightful creaminess and bursts of flavor that complement the pesto beautifully.

          Chill the Dish: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and ensures a refreshing dish.

            Serve: Before serving, give the pasta a gentle stir to redistribute the pesto. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil for added richness and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chilled pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter. Add a few whole basil leaves on top for a vibrant visual appeal, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional zest boost!