Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

Main Dish

The first time I tried this cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella was during an impromptu lunch with friends in the middle of summer. Few ingredients, no desire to cook and the need for something fresh and tasty: the result became a summer habit. Arugula pesto adds a slightly spicy aromatic note, cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color, and mozzarella binds everything together with a smooth and creamy texture. Easy to prepare, perfect for serving cold and also ideal for taking to the office or a picnic, it is one of the most versatile recipes for the warmer months.

Ingredients

• 6.5 oz/180 gr short pasta (we used penne rigate)
• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 1 mozzarella
• Olive oil to taste

For the arugula pesto:

• 1.7 oz/50 g arugula
• 1/2 clove of garlic
• 1/4 cup/25 gr grated parmesan cheese
• 1 oz/30 gr pine nuts
• 3 Tbsp/40 gr olive oil
• Salt to taste

Materials

• Cooker
• Blender
• Salad bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Preparation

• Step 1:

  

  Step 1 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water, carefully following the times indicated on the package to achieve perfect al dente cooking.

• Step 2:

  

  Step 2 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  In the meantime, thoroughly wash the arugula, dry it and transfer it to the mouthpiece of a blender along with the pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Blend at low speed to begin creating the base of the pesto.

• Step 3:

  

  Step 3 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  Add a pinch of salt, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, and continue blending until the arugula pesto has a creamy, smooth consistency.

• Step 4:

  

  Step 4 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  When the pasta is cooked, drain it and run it under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer it to a large salad bowl.

• Step 5:

  

  Step 5 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  Wash the cherry tomatoes, dry them and cut them into four wedges. Cut the mozzarella cheese into cubes as well.

• Step 6:

  

  Step 6 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  Season the pasta with the arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Stir carefully to distribute the dressing well.

• Step 7:

  

  Step 7 - Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella: fresh and quick summer recipe

  Plate, add diced mozzarella and serve. Cold pasta with arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese is ready.