If you are searching for a delightful, fresh, and vibrant pasta salad to brighten up your summer meals, the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish masterfully combines juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlicky olive oil with tender angel hair pasta and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. Each bite bursts with garden-fresh flavors, making it perfect for family dinners, picnics, or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you’ve made this salad, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet special, each contributing vibrant color, taste, or texture that makes this salad unforgettable. You’ll appreciate how every item works together to create a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence.
- Cherry tomatoes (900 g / 32 oz): Halved to release their juicy sweetness and glorious red color.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Provides a silky, rich base that ties everything together elegantly.
- Garlic cloves (6 tbsp, minced): Adds a pungent kick that’s mellowed by marinating.
- Fresh basil leaves (18 large, julienned): Brings fragrant herbaceous notes and delightful green bursts.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Delivers just a hint of heat to keep flavors lively.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- Angel hair pasta (454 g / 1 lb): Light and delicate, perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinade.
- Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups / 6 oz, grated + extra for serving): Offers salty richness and a satisfying, creamy texture.
- Extra fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Provides a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.
How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes
Begin by placing the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into a large bowl. Toss gently to combine, allowing every tomato to be kissed by the luscious marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and let this mixture sit at room temperature for anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours. The longer it rests, the more the flavors will knit together into a harmonious, garlicky, fragrant treasure that forms the heart of this salad.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it until it is just al dente, following the package instructions carefully. Drain the pasta well, making sure you do not rinse it—the secret here is to keep the pasta warm and slightly coated with starch so it can absorb the flavorful tomato marinade beautifully in the next step.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Marinade
Immediately transfer the hot pasta into the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, and toss gently but thoroughly. As you mix, the cheese will melt slightly, coating every strand of pasta and mingling with the tomato juices to make a luscious sauce. Use a large spoon to scoop up the garlicky marinade from the bowl to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Step 4: Final Touches and Toss
Add a handful of fresh basil leaves for a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor, then give everything one last gentle toss. Taste the salad and tweak the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if necessary. Just before serving, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for an extra indulgent finish. This salad tastes magnificent served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it wonderfully versatile.
How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevate the salad both visually and flavor-wise. Feel free to add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or some toasted pine nuts for added texture and richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements a cheese platter or crusty artisan bread perfectly, turning your table into a casual summer feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in a rustic wooden bowl or individual mason jars for picnics and potlucks. Layering the salad with additional basil sprigs and colorful heirloom tomatoes gives a festive look that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the marinade, so it may become softer over time.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and is not recommended for freezing, as the fresh tomatoes and delicate pasta texture do not hold up well to being frozen and thawed.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy the salad warm, simply microwave a portion briefly or bring it to room temperature. Avoid overheating to maintain the pasta’s delicate texture and the freshness of the tomato marinade.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is ideal because it absorbs the marinade delicately, you can use other thin pasta types like spaghetti or linguine. Avoid very thick or shaped pasta as they might overpower the light flavors.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative to keep the dish dairy-free while preserving its savory goodness.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can marinate the tomatoes up to 4 hours ahead and prepare the pasta and assembly right before serving. The salad can also be fully made a few hours in advance and kept chilled.
Is this recipe spicy?
The salad has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s subtle and can be easily adjusted or omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in sliced cucumbers, olives, or roasted red peppers to add your own twist, but the original recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and garden-fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients elevated by thoughtful preparation. It captures the essence of summer in every bite, blending luscious tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy Parmesan with tender pasta for a dish that’s both elegant and effortless. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you will love how easy it is to make and how much joy it brings to the table, no matter the occasion.
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Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes marinated with garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta and Parmesan cheese. This light and flavorful salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Pasta Salad
- 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
- Prepare 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 all ingredients evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let this mixture marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook just until al dente according to the package instructions, typically about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse it, as the hot pasta will absorb the flavorful marinade better.
- Combine Pasta and Marinade: Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss everything together 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 to maximize flavor.
- Finish 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 extra Parmesan cheese before serving. This pasta salad can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining to ensure it absorbs the tomato marinade deeply.
- Marinating the tomatoes longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavors significantly.
- This salad can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled for a versatile dish.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Angel hair pasta is delicate; be careful not to overcook it as it cooks very quickly.
