Pasta Caprese

Arguably one of the best flavor combinations in the vast culinary universe are the flavors found in insalata caprese. Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes slices in a light vinaigrette are always a delicious combination which is probably why we see these same ingredients together in everything from salads and sandwiches to pasta and pizza. This recipe is a simple pasta that can be made in just 20 minutes and is delicious served hot or cold making, it a perfect dish for the spring and summer months.


By now I'm sure you're well aware of the health benefits of using whole grain pasta in place of regular pasta, but if you're like me the texture of whole wheat noodles just isn't very appealing. There are new enriched pastas that offer the same health benefits of whole grain pasta plus extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Barilla Plus noodles are made from a blend of lentils, chickpeas, spelt, oats, barley, egg whites, ground flaxseed, wheat flour, oat flour and semolina giving a noodle loaded with fiber and protein to keep you full, and omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent for your heart. These come in several different shapes and even the pickiest eaters will not be able to tell that this is a healthier pasta - both the texture and flavor are spot on with traditional pastas. The only difference I can find is these pastas do take a couple more minutes to fully cook to al dente. If you are hesitant to get on the whole grain bandwagon, these are a great nutritional option that won't be a disappointment.

For this recipe you'll want to take advantage of the freshest produce you can find. It's certainly a good excuse to visit your local farmer's market and buy some locally grown ingredients. You absolutely must try using different cherry tomato varieties; it's becoming easier to find yellow cherry tomatoes in local supermarkets and they are crazy delicious! Cherry tomatoes are naturally fat free, cholesterol free, and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Fresh basil has a lot more to offer than just amazing flavor, it's a rich source of magnesium which helps muscles and blood vessels to relax and improve circulation. I generally use a block of regular mozzarella for this recipe but for a more elegant presentation you could substitute 8 oz pearl-sized fresh mozzarella. If you want to make this for a casual event like a picnic, substitute a smaller shape of pasta like penne or farfalle for the linguine to make serving easier. No matter how you end up mixing this together, this makes an outstanding meal that everyone in the family will love.  Enjoy!

Pasta Caprese
1 box whole grain linguine
1 large bunch fresh basil leaves
1 T. minced garlic
5 T. olive oil, divided
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut in 1/2" dice
3 T. red wine vinegar

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Using a blender or food processor, mix basil leaves, garlic, 4 T. of olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt until it is well pureed into a sauce. In a separate bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, diced cheese, vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. In a large serving bowl toss together pasta and pesto mixture until well combined, top with tomato mixture.