Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender angel hair pasta, all tossed with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for warm weather, this salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile and refreshing summer meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Marinade
- 900 g (32 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 6 tbsp garlic cloves, minced
- 18 large fresh basil leaves, julienned
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pasta & Garnish
- 454 g (1 lb) angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for serving
- Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Create the Tomato Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to develop deep flavors.
- Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse it, as the hot pasta will absorb the flavorful marinade better.
- Assemble the Salad: Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl of marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently until the cheese melts, coating the pasta and allowing the marinade to soak into the noodles. Use a large spoon to capture all the garlicky tomato juices.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve: Add a handful of extra fresh basil leaves and toss the salad gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Top with additional Parmesan before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
Notes
- Marinate the tomatoes for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking; the hot pasta absorbs the marinade better, enhancing the flavor.
- This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Use fresh, high-quality cherry tomatoes and basil for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
