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

Scale

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

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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