If you’re searching for that one summer recipe everyone will beg you for, the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad is your answer. This sun-kissed dish bursts with juicy cherry tomatoes, loads of fresh basil, and a healthy sprinkle of Parmesan, all nestled into delicate angel hair pasta. Whether served warm from the stove or chilled to perfection, this pasta salad beautifully channels the flavors of a Mediterranean garden at the peak of summer. Fresh, vibrant, and a total crowd-pleaser, it’s the ultimate dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad comes together with simple, fresh ingredients, yet each one is essential for a truly unforgettable bite. Grab the brightest tomatoes and the glossiest basil you can find—here’s how each element shines in the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes (900 g / 32 oz): Juicy and sweet, these burst with flavor and bring the brilliant colors of the season straight to your plate.
- Olive Oil (½ cup): A generous splash of good olive oil creates a lush, silky dressing and keeps the salad moist and flavorful.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced (6 tbsp): Minced garlic brings an aromatic kick and deepens the flavors as it gently marinates with the tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves, Julienne (18 large leaves + extra): Basil is the soul of this salad—herbaceous, fragrant, and irresistibly fresh.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): Adds just the right hint of heat, making every mouthful more exciting.
- Salt (1 tsp): Brings out the sweetness of tomatoes and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): A little pepper adds depth and a gentle bite to the dish.
- Angel Hair Pasta (454 g / 1 lb): Its light, delicate strands absorb the garden-fresh marinade beautifully, making it the perfect base.
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated (1½ cups / 6 oz + extra): Nutty and salty, Parmesan lends richness and satisfying umami to every forkful.
How to Make Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad
Step 1: Create the Tomato Marinade
Add your halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly. This colorful mixture will become beautifully fragrant almost immediately! Cover with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. The longer you allow the flavors to mingle, the more irresistible your Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad becomes.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Right before you’re ready to serve, bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions. This delicate texture is key so the pasta soaks up the marinade but stays light and springy. Drain well, but don’t rinse—the heat helps everything meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Immediately add the hot pasta to your bowl of marinated tomatoes. Add the freshly grated Parmesan and toss gently. The warmth of the pasta releases all those garden aromas, and the cheese melts into a creamy dressing that wraps every strand. Be sure to scoop up every last drop of the garlicky tomato marinade for the full Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad experience.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Toss in an extra handful of fresh basil leaves and give the salad a final gentle stir. Taste and season once more if needed, then shower it with extra Parmesan right before serving. Whether you serve it warm for an impromptu weeknight dinner or chilled for a sunny outdoor meal, this pasta salad is pure summer joy in every bite.
How to Serve Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can have a little fun and really take this dish over the top. Scatter extra ribbons of fresh basil, another dusting of Parmesan, and even a drizzle of your best olive oil. If you want a pop of color, try tossing on a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of lemon zest. It’ll look and taste like it came straight from a Mediterranean farmhouse kitchen.
Side Dishes
This Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad is delightfully versatile on the table. Pair it with juicy grilled chicken, plump shrimp, or vibrant vegetable skewers for a heartier meal. It’s just as good alongside crusty bread or a classic caprese salad for a full Italian-inspired spread. Honestly, the flavors play well with anything light and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual get-together, pile the pasta salad high on a big serving platter and let everyone help themselves. Hosting a picnic? Spoon individual portions into small mason jars. For a party-worthy touch, serve the salad in bowls lined with baby arugula or edible flowers. However you present it, the colors and fresh ingredients make this Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to three days, though the tomatoes might soften and the flavors will become more robust.
Freezing
This isn’t a pasta salad that loves the freezer—fresh basil and tomatoes just don’t return to their best selves after thawing. Enjoy the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad fresh, or within a few days of making it for the most vibrant flavors and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your pasta salad warm, you can gently reheat a portion in the microwave or a skillet on low. Add a splash of olive oil and toss well to freshen up the noodles and revive all the savory, herby flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair is lovely and delicate, you can swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. Just keep in mind that the thinner the pasta, the more the dressing and flavors will cling to every bite.
How can I make the salad gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta brand—there are some excellent angel hair and spaghetti alternatives available now. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dish to adapt.
Can I add protein to make this a main course?
Definitely. This salad welcomes additions like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even torn mozzarella for extra heartiness. Stir in your protein of choice just before serving and you have a full meal that still feels light and summery.
How long should I marinate the tomatoes?
For best results, let the tomatoes sit for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours at room temperature. The longer they marinate, the juicier and more flavorful they become, infusing your Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad with even more summery goodness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tomato marinade and cook the pasta a few hours ahead. Combine everything, then chill until serving time. Just remember to toss with a little fresh basil and Parmesan right before serving to keep the flavors lively and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good cheese, and the Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta Salad captures that summertime spirit in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make it—gather your favorite people, steal some basil from the garden, and make this pasta salad the centerpiece of your next meal. You’ll want to return to this recipe all season long!
