Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Melted Mozzarella Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work best) 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn into bite-sized pieces 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Directions: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 6–8 minutes until tomatoes begin to blister and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper. Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and mozzarella. Let sit for a minute to allow the mozzarella to melt slightly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 490 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #tomatomozzarellapasta #freshpasta #italianflavors #easymeals #weeknightdinner #cheesypasta #basilandtomato #quickrecipes #vegetarianmeals #pastarecipes #comfortfood #mozzarellalove #mediterraneandiet #garlicpasta #summereats #simpledishes #familydinners #freshingredients #pastaideas #easyitalianfood This Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta is all about fresh, simple flavors that scream summer! Quick, cheesy, and perfect for any night.

Looking for a refreshing and vibrant side dish? This Sicilian Cauliflower Salad is loaded with flavor and perfect for any gathering! #SicilianSalad #HealthyEats #CauliflowerLove #MediterraneanDiet #EasyRecipes Ingredients: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons capers, drained - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they're tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set aside to cool down. 2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower with cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, fresh parsley, and capers. This is where the magic starts to happen! 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is simple, but it packs a punch! 4. Pour that delicious dressing over your salad and toss everything gently until it’s well combined. 5. Let your salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature — it's delightful either way! Nutrition Facts (per serving): - Serving Size: 1 cup - Calories: 120 - Protein: 2g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fat: 9g - Fiber: 3g Enjoy this colorful and tasty salad at your next meal!

Chickpea Soup with Spinach Hearty Chickpea and Spinach Soup with Mediterranean Spices Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4 cups vegetable broth 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Juice of 1/2 lemon Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until wilted. Add lemon juice, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #chickpeasoup #plantbasedrecipes #vegancomfortfood #mediterraneandiet #spinachrecipes #meatlessmeals #healthywarmmeals #heartyvegan #vegetariansoup #quickdinners #onepotmeals #cleaneatingrecipes #glutenfreeeats #fiberrichfoods #simpleandhealthy #veggiebased #nourishyourbody #easyvegansoup #wholesomebowls #antiinflammatoryfoods 🥣 This Chickpea & Spinach Soup is pure plant-based comfort! Warm, filling, and packed with flavor—it’s the perfect cozy meal. 🌿🍋

Homemade Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan and Pine Nuts Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness Directions: In a food processor, combine basil leaves and pine nuts. Pulse a few times to chop. Add garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pulse again until well combined. With the processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if desired and pulse briefly to incorporate. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: 1 cup (about 8 servings) #pestolove #freshbasil #homemadecondiments #pestopasta #basilrecipes #saucerecipe #italianflavors #easypesto #quickrecipes #garlicandherbs #pineandparmesan #oliveoilrecipes #greenpesto #nocookingneeded #classicpesto #mediterraneandiet #lowcarbsauce #diykitchen #summersauces #herbgardenrecipes Basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil = the dream team 💚 Make your own pesto in just 10 minutes! So fresh, so flavorful! 🌿🧄🧀