Summer Garden Ina Garten Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total: 25 mins Yields: 6

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What is Ina Garten’s pasta salad?

Ina Garten’s Pasta Salad (Summer Garden Pasta) is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparations. It brings together a harmonious combination of flavors. The recipe features minced garlic, which adds a subtle kick of flavor, while the julienned basil leaves provide a refreshing herbal note. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a hint of spice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creaminess to the dish. The angel hair pasta serves as the perfect canvas, allowing all the flavors to shine. This recipe is a testament to the beauty of using seasonal ingredients to create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

Why you’ll love it

• Bursting with Freshness: This pasta salad embraces the flavors of a summer garden, with vibrant basil leaves, aromatic garlic, and a touch of spice from the red pepper flakes.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to both seasoned cooks and beginners.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add your own twist by incorporating additional seasonal vegetables or proteins of your choice.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a potluck, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting seconds.
• Refreshing and Light: The angel hair pasta, combined with the fresh ingredients, makes for a light and satisfying summer dish.

Ina Garten summer pasta recipe

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients converted into the requested format:

• Cherry tomatoes – 8 cups/900 g/32 oz halved cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil – ½ cup/118ml high-quality olive oil
• Minced Garlic – 6 garlic cloves/2 tablespoons minced
• Basil leaves – 18 large leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving:
• Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt – 1 teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• Dried angel hair pasta – 1 lb/454 g/16 oz dried angel hair pasta
• Parmesan cheese, 1½ cups/170g/6 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

Instructions

For the cherry tomatoes marinade

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

For the pasta salad

Note: Cook the pasta a few minutes before serving.

1. Boil a large pot of water with added salt (2 tablespoons)
2. Cook the pasta until al dente following the package instructions
3. Drain the pasta and mix it with the cherry tomatoes marinade.
4. Toss in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. and gently toss to combine everything together.

Tips

• 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 just before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
• Use ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results.

Variations

• Add some sliced cucumbers or grilled zucchini.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
• Swap out angel hair pasta for your favorite pasta shapes, such as penne or fusilli.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.

How to serve the Ina Garten pasta salad?

Serve this delightful Pasta Salad (Summer Garden Pasta) as a main course or side dish:

• As a light lunch or dinner option on its own.
• Alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal.
• As a refreshing side dish at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
• Garnish with extra basil leaves and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a delightful summer dining experience.

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