Pasta salad with vegetables and mozzarella
Ingredients: 250 g penne pasta, 7-8 mini mozzarella, 7-8 cherry tomatoes, 7-8 black olives, 2-3 tablespoons sweet corn, a few baby spinach leaves, salt, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, 2-3 thin strips of parmesan, ground oregano.
To prepare a delicious and nutritious meal, we start by boiling the pasta. Choosing the right pasta is essential; you can opt for penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, depending on your preferences. In a large pot, we bring water to a boil, adding a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. When the water starts to boil, we add the pasta and let it cook according to the instructions on the package, but no more than 6 minutes to keep it al dente. After the pasta is cooked, we carefully drain it and rinse it under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. It is recommended to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water while boiling, so the pasta does not stick together and remains delightful and easy to mix.
While the pasta cools, we turn our attention to preparing the fresh ingredients. We wash the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water, ensuring they are clean. You can use cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant look or regular tomatoes diced for a more intense flavor. We also wash the spinach leaves, which add a touch of freshness and color to our dish. We take a large dish, preferably glass or ceramic, where we will assemble all the ingredients. We place the cooked pasta at the bottom of the dish, sprinkling a bit of salt to season it.
On top of the pasta, we layer the diced tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cubes, green or black olives, depending on preferences, and sweet corn, which will add a touch of sweetness. Fresh spinach leaves are added on top, providing a contrast of textures and vibrant color. To intensify the flavor, we drizzle a splash of extra virgin olive oil, which will add a rich and aromatic taste. We sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano, spice our dish with a Mediterranean flair. We add 2-3 shavings of grated parmesan, which will melt slightly upon contact with the warm ingredients, creating a delicious crust.
Finally, we serve this delicious pasta salad warm or at room temperature. You can adjust the taste by adding a pinch of salt to your liking. It is a perfect meal for a light lunch or a quick dinner, full of flavors and colors that will delight both family and friends. Enjoy every bite and savor the perfect combination of fresh ingredients!
