Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad. It’s a delightful combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender pasta, all brought together with a simple yet delicious dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Résumé of the Recipe: Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, this salad is tossed in a light, tangy dressing that enhances every bite. It’s an easy, refreshing meal or side dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Exciting Story: The first time I made this Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad was for a summer family picnic. As I prepped the ingredients, the kitchen filled with the fresh, earthy scent of basil and the juicy aroma of ripe cherry tomatoes. When we finally sat down to eat, the salad was an instant hit. The kids loved the bright colors and the adults appreciated the light, refreshing flavors. Now, this salad is a go-to dish for any gathering, always bringing a touch of summer sunshine to our table.
Why This Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad?
Selling Points:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Bursting with the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Versatile and Light: Great as a main dish or a side, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
900 g (32 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
6 tbsp garlic cloves, minced
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground
454 g (1 lb) dried angel hair pasta
1½ cups (6 oz) Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions:
For the Cherry Tomatoes Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
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:
Boil a large pot of salted water (add about 2 tablespoons of salt to the water).
Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
Drain the pasta and mix it with the cherry tomato marinade.
Toss in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and gently toss to combine everything together.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
This pasta salad combines the freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil with the bite of red pepper flakes and the richness of Parmesan cheese, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion