Chilled Mozzarella Sauce for Summer Pasta
Picture a summer day, the sun is shining high, and you’re looking for a dish that’s both refreshing and tasty. Here’s the perfect solution: a chilled mozzarella sauce that will turn your pasta into a light and delightful culinary experience.
I still remember when my grandma used to make this sauce on hot summer evenings. It was our little ritual: she would chop the mozzarella while I picked fresh basil leaves from the garden. That aromatic scent would waft through the whole kitchen, promising unforgettable flavors.
Now it’s your turn to work your magic in the kitchen with a few simple but flavorful ingredients. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors, a handful of basil for that fresh and aromatic touch, and voilà: you’ve created something that speaks directly to the heart through the senses. Perfect for those outdoor dinners where merriment meets palate lightness.
Recipe Notes
- EASE: Quick and easy to make.
- PROS: Perfect for summer, no cooking required.
- CONS: Best consumed immediately after preparation.
- PREPARATION: Fast, only 10 minutes of prep time.
- NUTRITION NOTES: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Notes on the Recipe’s Ingredients
- Finely Chopped Mozzarella: for a creamy texture
- Salt and Pepper: adjust to your personal taste
- Ripe Tomato Passata: brings freshness to the sauce
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: enhances the flavors of the sauce
- Fresh Basil: adds an unmistakable aromatic touch
Nutritional Aspects
A light and nourishing sauce, perfect for enhancing your summer pasta.
- Low in fat: finely chopped mozzarella for a light topping.
- Rich in lycopene: ripe tomato passata, great for the skin.
- Natural antioxidants: extra virgin olive oil for well-being.
- Aroma and freshness: basil, a digestion ally.
- Low calorie content: only 150 calories per serving.
- Quick and no-cook: ideal for quick and fresh summer meals.
Recipe Cold Mozzarella Sauce for Summer Pasta
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping the mozzarella, preferably at room temperature to make it easier to work with.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped mozzarella with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, according to your taste.
- Add the ripe tomato passata and gently mix to blend the ingredients without breaking down the mozzarella.
- Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, a key ingredient to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
- Tear some fresh basil leaves by hand and incorporate them into the sauce to add an unmistakable aromatic touch.
- Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
Variations for Cold Mozzarella Sauce
Make the sauce your own with these delightfully fresh variations.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for an extra touch of sweetness and freshness.
- Swap the mozzarella for burrata for an even creamier and more indulgent texture.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some freshly chopped chili for an explosion of flavor.
- Consider replacing the basil with fresh mint for an aromatic and refreshing alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
If you have any questions about how to make this delicious cold mozzarella sauce, you’ll find the answers to your most common curiosities here.
How can I store the mozzarella sauce?
You can store the mozzarella sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving it again.
Can I substitute tomato puree with fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute tomato puree with ripe fresh tomatoes. You’ll need to blanch them, peel them, and remove the seeds before adding them to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
To make the sauce creamier, you can add some ricotta or Greek yogurt to the chopped mozzarella and mix well before incorporating the other ingredients.