SUMMER TOMATO AND BASIL PASTA WITH PINE NUT SAUCE

Summer Tomato and Basil Pasta with Pine Nut Sauce image

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup Pine nuts, raw
5 tablespoons Olive oil
1 tablespoon Lemon juice, fresh
3/4 teaspoon Sea salt, fine
1 1/2 pounds Tomatoes, ripe cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1 cup Basil leaves, torn
2 teaspoons Balsamic vinegar
1 clove Garlic, large
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
12 ounces Whole grain pasta

Steps:

Warm a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pine nuts and toast, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes.
Transfer nuts to a mini food processor and add 3 tablespoons oil, the lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth, scrape the sides and blend again.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes and their juices, basil, the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the vinegar, garlic, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the pepper and toss thoroughly. Set aside to marinate while pasta cooks.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well and return to the pot. Add the pine nut sauce and toss to evenly coat the pasta.
Add the pasta to the bowl of tomatoes and gently toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.