Penne, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Penne pasta - 400 grams
• Fresh tomatoes - 250 grams (chopped)
• Fresh mozzarella - 200 grams (cut into cubes)
• Fresh basil - 20 grams (chopped)
• Extra virgin olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the Penne pasta according to package instructions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salad by combining chopped tomatoes, cut mozzarella, and chopped basil in a large bowl.
3. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the bowl with the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
4. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar and pour over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 500 calories per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
• Carbohydrates: From pasta and tomatoes
• Fat: From olive oil and mozzarella
• Protein: From pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a perfect combination of an Italian-style pasta salad with a fresh tomato and mozzarella combination.
• The use of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar gives it a distinctively Italian flavor.
• It is a great dish for summer as it is refreshing and light.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "I loved the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella in this salad."
3. "The balsamic vinegar added a nice tangy flavor to the salad."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will affect the overall texture of the salad.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
• This salad pairs well with a glass of white wine for a perfect summer meal.