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
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 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
