Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Pesto, and Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the pesto, and add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
4. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour (or up to overnight) to let the flavors meld together.
5. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Verdict:

This pasta salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of chewy pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic pesto, and creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible. Serve it as a side dish at a barbecue or a potluck, or enjoy it as a main dish for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Serving suggestions:

• Pair it with a crusty baguette and a glass of crisp white wine for a light and refreshing meal.
• Top it with some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.
• Try adding some roasted red peppers, olives, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.