Tomato, Basil And Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Total Time: 30 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta or 8 ounces any similarly shaped pasta
• salt
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch dice
• 3/4 lb plum tomato, peeled, seeded ad cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch dice*
• 10 -12 large basil leaves, coarsely chopped
• 2 scallions, and tender green parts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (or more)
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Recipe

• 1 in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until it is done, but still a little firm to the bite. drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta is completely cool. let it drain for a few minutes and transfer to a large bowl. add the mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, scallions, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. add salt and pepper to taste, adding more vinegar if desired. serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• 2 *note: to peel plum tomatoes:
• 3 bring a small pot of water to a boil. have ready a bowl of ice water. cut an "x" in the bottom of the tomato and remove the stem. place in the boiling water for 10 or 15 seconds -- no longer. use a slotted spoon to quickly transfer to the ice water. the skin should simply slip off.