If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly irresistible pasta salad, you absolutely must try the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe. This dish bursts with the juiciest cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a garlicky marinade that perfectly soaks into tender angel hair pasta. It’s simple yet sophisticated, colorful yet comforting, and it has quickly become one of those go-to crowd-pleasers that you’ll want to make again and again during warm-weather gatherings or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe truly comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each add their own special touch—whether it’s brightness, herbaceous notes, or that savory, comforting element. Having quality ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes, 900 g (32 oz), halved: These bring sweet juiciness and vibrant color that’s essential to this salad’s garden-fresh appeal.
- Olive oil, 1/2 cup: A good, fruity olive oil helps create the marinade and adds a luscious richness.
- Garlic cloves, 6 tbsp minced: This is where the salad gets its bold, aromatic kick—don’t skimp on fresh garlic here.
- Fresh basil leaves, 18 large, julienned: Basil infuses a fragrant, herbal brightness that’s the essence of summer in every bite.
- Red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp: A subtle heat adds just the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds.
- Salt, 1 tsp: Enhances all the fresh flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp: Adds a warming depth and complexity.
- Angel hair pasta, 454 g (1 lb): The delicate strands soak up the tomato marinade perfectly, making every forkful bursting with flavor.
- Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) grated, plus extra for serving: This salty, nutty cheese melts beautifully and ties everything together.
- Extra fresh basil leaves for garnish: They add a final fresh touch and a pop of green color.
How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Create the Tomato Marinade
Begin by tossing the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This step is the heart of the dish because it allows the flavors to meld and develop into a fragrant, garlicky, slightly spicy marinade. Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. The longer the flavor-infusing, the better every bite will taste.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the tomatoes are soaking up all those incredible flavors, bring a generously salted pot of water to boil and cook your angel hair pasta just until al dente—meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly but don’t rinse it; keeping the pasta warm and slightly coated with starch helps it absorb the tomato marinade wonderfully when you toss them together.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Immediately mix the hot pasta into the bowl of marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss everything together until the cheese starts to melt into the warm pasta, creating a velvety coating. Use a large spoon to scoop up all those savory garlic tomato juices—that’s pure magic right there!
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Last, but certainly not least, add a handful of fresh basil leaves for an aromatic lift and a gorgeous burst of green. Give the salad one final gentle toss, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving. This salad is delightful warm, at room temperature, or even chilled for a refreshing twist.
How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top not only add visual appeal but elevate the salad’s herbaceous freshness. A few extra grates of Parmesan cheese right before serving add a lovely salty, nutty richness. If you want a bit of crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be a great addition.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad is versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. It shines alongside grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or crusty artisan bread. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or some tangy marinated olives.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea is to serve this salad in small individual glass jars or pretty bowls for casual entertaining. You can also layer it with fresh mozzarella balls and additional basil to create a stunning caprese-inspired pasta salad. When you want to impress guests, garnish each plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors. Since the pasta absorbs the marinade over time, it often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to mingle.
Freezing
Because of the fresh tomatoes and basil, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of the vegetables and herbs would suffer, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
If you prefer your salad warm, gently reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop just until heated through. Avoid overheating, as it can soften the pasta too much. Otherwise, serve it cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works beautifully here due to its delicate texture, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or linguine if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to keep it al dente.
Is this salad good for make-ahead meals?
Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish. The flavors improve after sitting for a while, making it perfect for preparing a few hours before a party or as a quick lunch the next day.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas added on top will make this pasta salad a satisfying main course without overpowering the fresh tomato and basil flavors.
How spicy is the salad with red pepper flakes?
The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth without making the salad spicy. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference or omit if you prefer no spice at all.
What’s the best way to julienne basil for this recipe?
Stack the basil leaves, roll them tightly into a cigar shape, and slice thinly across the roll. This technique creates thin strips that distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe—it captures the essence of summer in a bowl with every bite filled with fresh, bright, and savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends, packing a picnic, or simply craving something light and delicious, this dish is sure to delight. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and fresh pasta dish bursting with the flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for warm weather, this salad combines al dente angel hair pasta with a flavorful tomato marinade, making it ideal as a refreshing main or side dish served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Ingredients
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 and 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 halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to mix everything 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 allow the flavors to meld.
- 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 the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it, ensuring it retains heat to absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Assemble the Salad: Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl containing the marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss everything until the cheese melts and coats the pasta, and the marinade is absorbed by the noodles. Use a large spoon to scoop up and incorporate all the garlicky tomato juices.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve: Add a handful of extra fresh basil leaves to the salad and give it a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Top with additional grated Parmesan before serving. Enjoy the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a refreshing make-ahead summer dish.
Notes
- Marinating the tomato mixture for longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the flavor of the salad.
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to allow it to absorb the marinade fully.
- This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled to suit your preference.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on desired spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
