Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese tossed with tender angel hair pasta. This refreshing pasta salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings and easy meal prep.
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 Cheese
- 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 everything well.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld for a delicious base salad flavor.
- Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse it to ensure the hot noodles absorb the tomato marinade.
- Assemble the Salad: Immediately add 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 while the marinade is absorbed by the noodles. Use a large spoon to scoop up all the garlicky tomato juices from the bottom.
- Finish and Serve: Add a handful of extra fresh basil leaves to the pasta salad and gently 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 for a refreshing summer dish.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after cooking so it can better absorb the tomato marinade flavors.
- Allow the tomato mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- This salad can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for meal prep or entertaining.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
