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

Tomato Marinade Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: Use ripe cherry tomatoes. You can substitute with grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted tomatoes with a pinch of salt.
• Olive oil: Choose high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative. Avoid butter, as it can overpower the Mediterranean notes.
• Garlic, minced: Adjust to taste. For a milder option or longer storage, use garlic powder. Avoid letting fresh garlic sit in oil for more than 5 days unless frozen.
• Basil leaves, julienned: Swap with oregano or flat-leaf parsley if preferred. Use dried basil for longer storage.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional. Omit if sensitive to heat.

Ina Garten Angel Hair Pasta Salad Ingredients

• Angel hair pasta: Ideal for this light salad. You can substitute with spaghetti or linguine. For gluten-free or low-carb options, use gluten-free pasta or zoodles.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and richness. Try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as alternatives.
• Basil leaves, julienned: Swap with oregano or flat-leaf parsley if preferred. Use dried basil for longer storage.
• Salt: Try sea salt or kosher salt.
• Ground black pepper: Substitute with white pepper for a milder touch.
• Additions:
  • Greens: Include sliced cucumbers or grilled zucchini.
  • Protein: Add grilled chicken, chicken parm, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Cheese: For a Caprese vibe, use mozzarella balls. For variety, 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

Nutritional Facts

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