Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad

Why you’ll love it

• Like a summer garden, it embraces summer with vibrant basil leaves, garlic, and a touch of spice.
• Life saver for dinner. Simple ingredients are ready to whip up in minutes. There’s no need to meal prep and marinade for hours before. 
• Great for cookouts and barbecues. Some guests prefer to focus on salad in a backyard barbecue and this is what they’ll need if they’re not much into meat.
• Refreshing and Light

For The Perfect Summer Garden Pasta

• Adjust the amount of minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and basil leaves according to your taste preferences.
• Cook the angel hair pasta al dente to maintain its delicate texture.
• Toss the pasta salad before serving to distribute evenly the flavors.
• If you have time, allow the salad to chill.
• Use ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results.

What You Need

• Cherry tomatoes: Substitute with grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes. Slightly salted roasted tomatoes also work well.
• Olive oil: Opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Alternatively, try avocado oil for a different flavor. Avoid butter as it can overpower the Mediterranean notes in this bruschetta-style pasta.
• Garlic, minced: Adjust according to taste or dietary needs. For a milder flavor, you can use garlic powder, but be cautious—some brands may alter the authentic taste of this summer pasta.
• Basil leaves, julienned: Swap with fresh oregano or parsley.
• Red pepper flakes: Omit if you prefer less heat.
• Salt: Experiment with sea salt or kosher salt.
• Ground black pepper: Use white pepper for a subtler flavor.
• Angel hair pasta: Angel hair should be your first choice. Try it out even if you’re not a big fan of Spaghettini.  Alternatively,  substitute with spaghetti or linguine. For a grain-free option, use gluten-free pasta or zoodles
• Parmesan cheese: If you need a substitute, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
• Additions:
  • Greens: Add sliced cucumbers or grilled zucchini.
  • Protein: Include grilled chicken, chicken parm, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
  • Cheese: For a Caprese-style salad, add buffalo mozzarella balls. For a twist, try feta, goat cheese, or burrata.

Storing the Angel Hair Pasta Salad

• Make-Ahead Suggestion: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but mix the dressing—olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings—just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid.
• Refrigeration Suggestion: Before refrigerating, lightly coat the pasta with olive oil to prevent clumping. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, toss with the full dressing and add extra olive oil if needed to refresh the salad.

How to Serve Ina Garten Pasta Salad?

Serve as a light lunch or dinner option on its own or otherwise as a refreshing side dish at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. If you want to add protein to your meal, it is great alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal.

For a special meal, don’t forget to pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a delightful summer dining experience.

Health Info

• Calories: 581
• Sugar: 1.7
• Sodium: 728.9
• Fat: 27.8
• Carbohydrates: 63.3
• Fiber: 4.7
• Protein: 21.1

More Summer Salads:

• Quinoa and Mango Salad with Corn and Black beans
• Peach Cottage Cheese Salad
• Chicken Satay Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
• Roasted Sweet Potato And Chickpea Kale Salad With Cashew Dressing
• Creamy Baked Farro And Butternut Squash