If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and effortlessly delicious dish to brighten up your summer meals, the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Overflowing with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly al dente angel hair pasta, this salad brings together simple ingredients to create a bowl bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a light weekday lunch, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy with its bright yet comforting charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing freshness, spice, creaminess, and a touch of zest, making the salad lively and memorable.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy sweetness and add vibrant red color.
- Olive oil: Serves as the rich, smooth base that brings all the flavors together.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the salad with a bold, aromatic punch.
- Fresh basil leaves: Julienned to provide fresh herbaceous notes and a beautiful green contrast.
- Red pepper flakes: Add just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers mild spice and complexity.
- Angel hair pasta: Delicate and light, the perfect canvas to soak up the marinade.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and melted into the pasta for a creamy, savory richness.
- Extra fresh basil leaves: For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes and Herbs
Start by combining the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. Gently toss everything to ensure that all the ingredients mingle together. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to four hours. This step is essential because it allows the tomatoes to soak in the garlic and basil-infused olive oil, creating a deeply flavored marinade that will elevate the pasta later.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While your tomatoes soak up all those wonderful flavors, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente—it’s important not to overcook since the pasta will continue to absorb flavors later. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it. Keeping the pasta hot and un-rinsed ensures it will soak up the tangy tomato marinade perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Tomato Marinade
Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with your marinated tomato mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently toss everything with a large spoon. You want to coat each strand of pasta with the melting cheese and the flavorful tomato juices. This step is where the magic happens as the pasta absorbs the garlicky, herby marinade, creating a luscious and satisfying salad.
Step 4: Final Touches and Seasoning
Finish by tossing in a handful of extra fresh basil leaves for burst of herbal aroma and brightness. Give the salad one last gentle toss, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with a bit more salt or pepper. You can add extra grated Parmesan before serving to boost the richness. This salad can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, or chilled for a cool and refreshing meal on hot days.
How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic and beautiful garnish that complements this salad perfectly. Adding a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a lovely salty creaminess. For a subtle crunch, you can also add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as an optional sprinkle.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a simple crusty baguette to make a full summer meal. It’s also fantastic alongside light seafood dishes or even a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, creating a refreshing and balanced spread for warm weather dining.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the salad in a large rustic wooden bowl to highlight its garden freshness. You could also present individual portions in clear glass bowls or mason jars layered with the tomato marinade and pasta for an eye-catching party presentation. Little basil sprigs or thin lemon slices on top add an inviting pop of color and fragrance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the salad in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the flavors, as the Parmesan and olive oil may thicken when chilled.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and is not recommended for freezing. Freezing can alter the texture of the tomatoes and basil, making the salad less vibrant and fresh-tasting once thawed.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy this salad warm again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the delicate ingredients. Alternatively, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe specifically uses angel hair pasta for its delicate texture, you can swap in thin spaghetti or small shapes like farfalle or rotini if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This dish as written includes Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the cheese or substituting it with a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The fresh flavors will still shine through beautifully.
How long should I marinate the tomatoes for the best flavor?
Letting the tomatoes marinate for at least 30 minutes is good for a quick fix, but if you can wait up to four hours, the salad will develop richer, more harmonious flavors. Marinating longer allows the garlic, basil, and spices to fully infuse the tomatoes and olive oil.
Can I prepare this salad completely in advance?
You can prepare the tomato marinade and chop all ingredients up to four hours ahead. It’s best to toss the pasta with the tomato mixture just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy. This timing helps maintain the salad’s fresh texture and vibrant taste.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Fresh basil is key to the bright, herbaceous flavor of this salad, so it’s worth seeking out if you can. However, in a pinch, you can substitute with a small amount of dried basil or fresh oregano, but the salad’s aroma and freshness won’t be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a celebration of summer in every bite. It’s wonderfully simple, yet layered with flavor, and brings together some of the best tastes of the season in a fresh and enticing way. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share it with friends and family — it’s sure to become a treasured go-to for sunny days and casual gatherings alike!
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Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus up to 4 hours marinating
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes combined with fragrant basil, garlic, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This angel hair pasta salad is perfect for warm weather, served warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing and flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 900 g (32 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 tbsp garlic cloves, minced
- 18 large fresh basil leaves, julienned
- Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 454 g (1 lb) angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Tomatoes: In a large bowl, combine 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 the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to enhance the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it; keeping the pasta hot helps it absorb the flavorful marinade.
- Toss Pasta with Marinade and Cheese: Immediately transfer the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta, absorbing the garlicky tomato juices. Use a large spoon to scoop all the flavorful juices from the bowl.
- Add Basil and Serve: Add a handful of extra fresh basil leaves and give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Top with additional Parmesan cheese before serving. The salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a make-ahead summer dish.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to ensure it absorbs the tomato marinade better.
- The salad tastes best if allowed to marinate for several hours, but it can be served after 30 minutes.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled for a refreshing variation.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
