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Colorful Summer Garden Pasta Salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

Summer Garden Pasta Salad

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and delicate angel hair pasta, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil This golden elixir is rich and fruity, enhancing the dish’s flavors while adding a silky texture.
  • 6 tbsp fresh garlic, minced Aromatic and full of depth, the minced garlic infuses the salad with a warm, inviting aroma.
  • 18 large basil leaves, julienned + extra for garnish These fragrant leaves bring a burst of freshness and an herbaceous note that is quintessentially summer.
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed A touch of heat that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
  • 900 g cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy and sweet, these vibrant gems provide a pop of color and are the stars of the dish.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances all other flavors, bringing harmony to the salad.
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper Adds a subtle earthiness that rounds out the taste.
For the Pasta
  • 454 g dried angel hair pasta Light and delicate, this pasta serves as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients.
For Serving
  • 1½ cups grated parmesan + extra for serving Creamy, nutty, and indulgent, this cheese brings richness to every mouthful.

Method
 

Preparation
  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. Mix well to ensure that every tomato is coated in the flavorful mixture.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the ingredients to marinate at room temperature for at least a few minutes or up to 4 hours.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil a large pot of water and add 2 tablespoons of salt.
  2. Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water, cooking it until it reaches the al dente texture, following the package instructions closely.
  3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately mix it with the marinated cherry tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine.
Final Assembly
  1. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for presentation.

Notes

For a burst of flavor, consider adding roasted vegetables or olives to the pasta salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness. Feel free to experiment with different cheese; feta or mozzarella can also provide a delightful twist. Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.