Fusilli with No-Cook Fresh Tomato & Mozzarella Sauce

dahlia's Note:

This recipe is originally from Bon Appetit Magazine. It is absolutely delicious in summertime made with ripe tomatoes. This dish is easy and very healthy, and always receives raves from family and friends. The original recipe called for 6 Tbsp. of olive oil, but I found it too oily; feel free to experiment on your own. The secret lies in allowing the flavors of the tomato sauce to marinate, so don't cut this step short. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb ripe plum tomato, seeded and halved
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (can also use shredded)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced julienned fresh basil
• 3 -4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces fusilli or 12 ounces rotelle pasta
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• fresh basil leaf, for garnish

Directions:

1. Dice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into 1/2 inch pieces; place in medium bowl.
2. Mix in basil, olive oil, vinegar, garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. Season as desired with salt and pepper.
4. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 9 minutes).
6. Drain pasta and return to same pot.
7. Add tomato& cheese mixture and toss with pasta over low heat until cheese begins to melt.
8. Transfer pasta to platter or large bowl and sprinkle with pine nuts.
9. Garnish with basil leaves if desired.

Reviews

[SmallTownGirl]

This ia a wonderful recipe. I had to use regular fresh tomatoes vs the plum but even with the extra juice it was still lovely. I used fresh mozzarella (in a 1/2 inch dice) and fresh basil. This makes such a fresh taste. I cooked some large sliced sweet Italian sausage and blended with the sauce just before plating over the pasta. A lively fresh summer sauce. Thank you so much for posting!

[PatriotsGirl]

YUMMY! I absolutely loved this, and I can't believe how easy it was to prepare. I followed the recipe exactly. The basil gives this so much delicious flavor, and I also love the pine nuts for the added texture. I brought a bowl to work with me for lunch today and I can't wait to eat it. I think this would also be delicious cold. I will make this often. Thanks so much for posting!

[smellicious]

This was a delicious and great way to utilize this summer's tomato crop. I used both the italian plum and cherry tomatoes. This could work well with canned diced tomatoes off-season too. I omitted the pepper flakes and substituted chopped walnuts for the pine nuts. Next time I'll add some fresh parsley. This was great with penne. For one non-dairy serving I used unripened goat cheese with good results. Thanks for a great recipe.