Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Green beans
Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Tomatoes and Green beans

Pasta Salad with Tomato, Mozzarella and Green Beans (Insalata di Cavatappi, Mozzarella, Pomodori e Fagiolini)

by Lidia Bastianich on May 21, 2020

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Servings
Serves 6-8
Course
Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling and to taste
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 1 pound cavatappi or elbows
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
  • 1 pound small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if on the larger side
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 2 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into chunks
  • ½ cup toasted skinned almonds
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
  2. Add the green beans, and cook until tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
  3. Remove with a spider to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
  4. Drain, pat dry, and cut into thirds.
  5. Add the pasta to the same water, and cook until al dente.
  6. Drain rinse and pat dry.
  7. Put in a large bowl, and add the green beans, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.
  8. For the dressing, in a mini-food processor (or a bowl, if you’re working by hand), combine the basil, parsley, plum tomatoes, almonds, garlic, vinegar, and salt.
  9. Process until smooth.
  10. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady stream to make a creamy dressing.
  11. Pour the dressing over the pasta, and toss well.
  12. Season with salt if necessary, and serve.

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