If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta salad that tastes like sunshine on a plate, the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in fragrant garlic and fresh basil, tossed with perfectly al dente angel hair pasta and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese. The magic lies in the simple, fresh ingredients marrying beautifully to create a salad that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or want a refreshing meal any day, this recipe bursts with garden-fresh goodness and comforting textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique burst of flavor, texture, or color to the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe. From the sun-ripened cherry tomatoes to the nutty Parmesan cheese, every element is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance.
- Cherry tomatoes (900 g/32 oz): The star of the salad, these add juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together smoothly.
- Garlic cloves (6 tbsp, minced): Packs a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh basil leaves (18 large, julienned): Fresh herbs bring brightness and that unmistakable summer aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): A gentle touch of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances every flavor and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild peppery kick.
- Angel hair pasta (454 g/1 lb): Delicately thin strands that soak up the flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups/6 oz grated, plus extra for serving): Provides a savory, creamy finish that ties the whole salad together.
- Extra fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A pretty and flavorful flourish just before serving.
How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Create the Tomato Marinade
Start by layering flavors in a large bowl—combine halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently so that all ingredients marry nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This marinade is where the magic begins, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and soak up the bright, zesty flavors that are signature to the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
While the tomatoes are working their magic, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the angel hair pasta just until al dente—you want it tender but still with a bit of bite to hold up under the marinade. Drain the pasta well, but don’t rinse it. Leaving the pasta hot allows it to absorb the vibrant tomato marinade more effectively, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Pour the hot pasta directly into the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Immediately add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss everything together until the cheese melts and coats each strand of pasta beautifully. Use a large spoon to scoop up as much of the garlicky tomato juices as possible, making sure that no flavor goes to waste. This step ensures that the dish is not only delicious but also wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of fresh basil leaves over the salad and give it one final gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan to suit your preference. You can enjoy this salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It’s as versatile as it is delicious, truly embodying the fresh and comforting essence of the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a flourish of extra fresh basil leaves on top not only brightens the look but adds a fresh herbal note with each bite. A final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese also brings a touch of elegance and extra savory depth to the salad.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a crusty baguette. The combination is perfect for a light summer lunch or as a colorful side at your next picnic or potluck. Fresh seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad complement the dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this salad in clear glass bowls so the colors of the tomatoes, basil, and pasta shine through. You can also portion it into individual jars or bowls for an easy-to-serve, grab-and-go style perfect for gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing due to the delicate texture of the tomatoes and fresh basil. Freezing would alter the texture and flavor negatively.
Reheating
If you prefer warm pasta salad, gently reheat your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta mushy and the fresh basil lose its vibrant flavor. Alternatively, enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing, cool dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is traditional and soaks up the marinade beautifully, you can substitute it with thin spaghetti or small shaped pasta like farfalle for a fun twist.
How long can I let the tomatoes marinate?
Marinating the tomatoes for at least 30 minutes is essential to develop flavor, but you can let them sit up to 4 hours at room temperature. Just be sure to keep the salad refrigerated if you decide to wait longer before serving.
Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! You can omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese substitute. Lightly toasted pine nuts or nutritional yeast can also add a savory depth if you want to keep that umami punch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This pasta salad holds up nicely in the fridge for a day or two, making it perfect for meal prep. Just toss the salad gently before serving, and add fresh basil for that just-made brightness.
What wine pairs well with Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe?
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian Pinot Grigio works beautifully—both have enough acidity to complement the fresh tomatoes and herbs without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to embrace the tastes of summer in a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you simply must try the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh, bright ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Once you experience the juicy burst of marinated tomatoes, the aromatic basil, and the creamy Parmesan mingling with tender pasta, you’ll understand why this recipe is a beloved favorite. Get ready to fall in love with this dish as much as I have!
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Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining juicy marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and angel hair pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make pasta salad celebrates summer garden flavors and can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a refreshing meal or side dish perfect for warm weather gatherings.
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 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. Cover 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 package directions. Drain the pasta well but do not rinse; keeping it hot will help the pasta absorb the tomato marinade flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the bowl of marinated tomatoes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta, allowing the marinade to be absorbed by the noodles. Use a large spoon to collect all the flavorful garlicky tomato juices.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve: Add a handful of extra fresh basil leaves and give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with extra 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 to retain the hot pasta’s ability to absorb the tomato marinade flavors.
- Marinating the tomatoes longer intensifies the flavor; aim for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours at room temperature.
- This pasta salad can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for any season or occasion.
- Use fresh, high-quality basil and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.
