Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

If summer had a flavor, it might just taste like this Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad. Imagine sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, silky olive oil, and delicate angel hair pasta all coming together in a single bowl. It’s bursting with color, freshness, and pure joy. This dish is as easy to make as it is impressive and never fails to turn any table into a celebration of the season’s best. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard gathering, or just craving something savory and bright on a weeknight, this pasta salad is about to become your staple!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to the vibrant flavor and texture of this salad. Each item has a purpose, contributing a unique note that truly makes this Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad sing.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and flavorful, it forms the backbone of the dish and helps marry all the flavors together.
• Fresh garlic (minced): Packs a punch with its aromatic depth and subtle heat, infusing the marinade.
• Large basil leaves (julienned): Add unmatched freshness with beautiful green ribbons throughout the salad.
• Red pepper flakes (crushed): Offer a gentle kick, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy, sweet, and tangy, these are truly the stars of this garden-inspired meal.
• Salt: Draws out the flavors in both the marinade and the finished dish—seasoning is everything!
• Freshly ground black pepper: Lends subtle warmth and a tiny bit of spice.
• Dried angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and soaks up all those delicious flavors from the tomato marinade.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Savory and nutty, it ties the pasta salad together and adds a creamy finish.
• Extra fresh basil and parmesan (for serving): Elevates each serving with pops of flavor and color.

How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Cherry Tomatoes

Start by bringing all those vibrant summer flavors together. In a large bowl, combine your halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well so the tomatoes are evenly coated. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on your counter. If you can wait a few hours (up to four), the flavors will truly come alive as everything melds together.

Step 2: Prepare the Angel Hair Pasta

A few minutes before you’re ready to serve, bring a big pot of salted water (add about two tablespoons of salt) to a rolling boil. Add your angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente, following the package directions. Don’t overcook it! Angel hair is delicate, and you want it to hold its shape and texture when tossed with the juicy tomatoes.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with Marinated Tomatoes

Once the pasta is done, drain it well but do not rinse—those starchy strands will soak up the delicious marinade. Immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl of marinated tomatoes. Toss everything together so the pasta is slicked with the garlicky, basil-infused oil and the tomatoes become even juicier.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese

While the pasta is still warm, sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss again, allowing the parmesan to gently melt and coat the pasta, making the salad creamy and irresistibly savory.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Just before serving, take a moment to adorn your Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad with a handful of extra basil leaves and an extra grating of parmesan. This final flourish adds a restaurant-worthy touch and makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The right garnish really takes this salad over the top. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of fragrant green and a hint of herbal brightness, while extra shavings of parmesan melt slightly into the warm pasta, making every bite creamy. You can even add a few cracks of black pepper for a pretty (and punchy) finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light and crunchy sides. Think grilled asparagus, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a rustic loaf of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of flavorful tomato marinade. Fresh fruit—like watermelon or strawberries—makes for a lovely, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad into the centerpiece by piling it onto a vibrant platter, topped with fresh edible flowers or microgreens for extra color. For a more personal touch at picnics or potlucks, serve individual portions in small mason jars or elegant bowls, garnished lavishly for maximum appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if the second-day salad tastes even better! Just remember to give it a good toss before diving in again.

Freezing

While this salad is all about fresh flavors, freezing isn’t recommended. The tomatoes and basil can lose their bright texture when thawed, and the pasta may turn mushy. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh or a day or two after making.

Reheating

If you prefer your pasta salad a little warm, gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without wilting the basil or softening the tomatoes too much. Or let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While angel hair gives a delicate texture, feel free to swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even fusilli for a heartier bite. Short pastas work well for scooping, but the key is to keep it al dente so it soaks up the marinade beautifully.

Is it okay to marinate the tomatoes overnight?

Marinating the tomatoes overnight won’t hurt, but a window of one to four hours is ideal. Any longer and the tomatoes may become a bit too soft, though the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions if you want to make the dish more substantial. Just keep the focus on the vibrant garden flavors.

How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together?

The secret is to drain the pasta right before tossing it with the tomato marinade and to never rinse it. The olive oil from the marinade will coat the pasta, keeping it from clumping.

What makes Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad special?

It’s all about simple, quality ingredients and letting them shine. Ina’s recipe layers classic summer produce, fresh herbs, and good cheese in a way that feels both rustic and elegant—making every bite a taste of the season.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I crave something easy, fresh, and filled with pure sunshine, I return to this Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to win hearts and compliments. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create unforgettable summer memories!

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