Best 2 Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Recipes

In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke the essence of summer's bounty quite like a refreshing tomato basil pasta salad. This vibrant and flavorful dish encapsulates the best of what the season has to offer, combining sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender pasta in a symphony of taste and texture. With its versatility as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a delightful picnic staple, tomato basil pasta salad stands as a testament to the culinary magic that can be conjured from the simplest of ingredients.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

FRESH TOMATO-BASIL-ASPARAGUS PASTA SALAD

Fresh Tomato-Basil-Asparagus Pasta Salad image

My favorite kind of summer meal when tomatoes are peaking. You can also just chop up a large tomato versus using grape tomatoes. This is from SOuthern Living.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories Vegetable

Time 1h14m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
1 lb fresh asparagus
1 cup bottled lemon vinaigrette
1 (1 ounce) package fresh basil, chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
salt and pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding asparagus, cut into 2" pieces, during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and rinse under cool water.
Stir together 1 cup bottled lemon vinaigrette and chopped basil. Pour 3/4 cup of dressing over pasta mixture. Stir in tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. COver and chill 1 hour. Toss with remaining dressing just before serving. Garnish with additional freshly basil.

FRESH TOMATO BASIL PASTA SALAD

FRESH TOMATO BASIL PASTA SALAD image

Categories Pasta Tomato Low Fat

Yield makes 4 generous servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 cups tomatoes (preferably cherry, vine-ripened or heirloom), sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup basil chiffonade
1 box angel hair or spaghetti
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt

Steps:

Thinly slice tomatoes (if Cherry tomatoes, cut in half) and toss with onions, basil and garlic in a large bowl. Cook pasta according to package instructions. When al dente, drain and rinse in cold water to cool. Add pasta to tomatoes; toss. Add oil and vinegar, toss and season with sea salt to taste. Serve.

Tips:

Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes. This will ensure the best flavor.
Use a variety of colors of tomatoes. This will add visual appeal to your salad.
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to eat.
Use fresh basil. This will give your salad a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Chop the basil finely. This will help to distribute the flavor throughout the salad.
Use a good quality olive oil. This will help to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes and basil.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice. This will help to brighten the flavors of the salad.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

This fresh tomato basil pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing summer dish. It's easy to make and can be served as a main course or side dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy dressing is sure to please everyone at your table.

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