PASTA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, FRESH MOZZARELLA, BASIL, AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR

PASTA WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, FRESH MOZZARELLA, BASIL, AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR image

Categories Pasta

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

For the balsamic vinegar:
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the pasta:
3-4 heirloom tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil, julienned
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
12 ounces pasta, fresh or dried, such as fettuccine
1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish: fresh basil leaves

Steps:

1. Pour the vinegar and salt into a small bowl, add olive oil, garlic and 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt and pepper and mix. Taste for seasoning. 2. Wash and chop the tomatoes. Toss with the balsamic vinaigrette and the julienned basil leaves. Add the mozzarella. 3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta, bring to a boil and cook until al dente, 3 to 4 minutes for fresh pasta or according to the directions on the package. 4. Toss the pasta with 1 teaspoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking and mix with the tomato-basil salad. 5. Divide the pasta among 4 large, warmed dinner plates. Arrange several spoonfuls of the tomato-basil salad on top.