Cold rice with pesto cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, a simple summer first course to prepare ahead. The page adds context, mistakes to avoid, sensible variations and storage notes, so the recipe remains useful after the first reading.
Recipe facts
Details
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 20 min
- Servings: 3 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: €€
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 62 g
- of which sugars: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- of which saturates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
Indicative values only. This does not replace medical advice.
Ingredients (3 servings)
- 240 g parboiled or Ribe rice
- 120 g pesto
- 220 g cherry tomatoes
- 150 g well-drained mozzarella
- Fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Quick method
- Cook rice in salted water and drain al dente.
- Spread on a tray with a little oil to cool.
- Cut tomatoes and mozzarella and let them drain.
- Dress the cold rice with pesto, tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Finish with basil, pepper and a short rest in the fridge.
Why this recipe works
This is a useful summer first course because it can be prepared ahead and stays complete without being complicated. Pesto adds flavor, tomatoes freshness and mozzarella body.
The recipe is designed for a home kitchen: accessible ingredients, normal equipment and steps that do not require professional experience. Its value is a repeatable result.
The most important step
Do not cool the rice under running water, because it loses flavor and absorbs dressing poorly. Spread it on a tray instead.
When ingredients are few, technique matters more. Controlling moisture, temperature and timing makes the result more reliable.
Choosing ingredients
Choose fresh ingredients that fit the recipe. Avoid products that are too watery or already very salty when the balance is delicate.
Practical organization
Prepare ingredients before starting and keep the work area ordered. This reduces mistakes and makes cooking calmer.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not skip drying, resting or cooling steps. Also avoid adding too much seasoning too early. Taste and adjust with restraint.
Sensible variations
I add pesto only when the rice is cold, so the color stays brighter.
Substitutions work best when they keep the same function: creamy for creamy, similar moisture for similar moisture, fresh aroma for fresh aroma.
How to serve it
Serve at the right temperature and add herbs, pepper, citrus zest or olive oil only when they genuinely improve the dish.
Storage
Store covered in the fridge for one or two days depending on the ingredients. Refresh crunchy elements in the oven or pan.
Nutrition note
The nutrition values are approximate and do not replace advice from a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist.
Why save it
This recipe is worth saving because it answers a concrete need and can fit into the week without special shopping.