This salad tastes so fresh and delicious! Homemade pesto is so quick and easy using only 4 ingredients there is no reason not to give it a shot. Its travels wells and is good hot or cold. Hurry go make it!
- 1 lb Rotini Pasta ( or any kind you like, of course)
- 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 3 slices prosciutto
- 4 basil leaves (topping)
- 1/2 cup arugula
- Ciliegine cherry size mozzarella balls
homemade Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2/3 olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
In a food processor combine the basil leaves, garlic, cheese, pine nuts and oil. Presto you have homemade pesto!
Cook pasta Al Dente. Strain.
In 2 tbsp of oil, sauté chopped prosciutto until crispy. Just a few minutes. I used a pair of scissors to cut the Proscuitto into small pieces. Much easier than using a knife! Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
Cut whole container of mozzarella balls in half. Chop tomatoes into thin slices. Chop remaining 4 basil leaves.
Add fresh pesto to pasta and toss. Then add mozzarella, tomatoes and arugula. Top with crispy prosciutto and fresh chopped basil leaves.
Chill in the refrigerator of serving cold.
The first night I made this I served it cold and it was delicious. The next day I warmed a bowl up in the microwave and it was even more delicious. The warm pesto with the slightly melted mozzarella cheese tastes sooooo good. Enjoy!
The Stay At Home Gourmet 