PASTA SALAD WITH SUMMER TOMATOES, BASIL AND OLIVE OIL
This summery dish walks the line between tangy, juicy tomato salad and hearty pasta salad. To make it, ripe tomatoes are marinated with capers, garlic, basil and lots of good olive oil until they almost fall apart, creating a wonderfully soupy dressing for the pasta. Then the pasta is added while still hot to mix; as it cools, it absorbs all the bright flavors. If you can, choose heirloom tomatoes in an array of hues, and serve this in a glass bowl to show it off. Cubes of fresh mozzarella, or bocconcini, make for creamy addition. Add them just before serving, so the heat of the pasta doesn't melt the cheese.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pastas, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, red-pepper flakes, the whole basil sprig and anchovies if using. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup oil. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. The tomatoes should be aggressively seasoned. Let tomatoes marinate for at least 1 hour and preferably 2 to 3.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until it is just al dente, usually a minute less than the package instructions. Drain well. Add to bowl with tomatoes while still warm and toss well. Let pasta cool, soaking up the dressing. Let pasta sit at room temperature for at least another hour and up to 6 hours before serving. Or chill for up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Just before serving, gently fold in torn basil leaves. Top with more olive oil and cracked black pepper before serving.
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AMER KHAB
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great way to get my kids to eat their vegetables. They love the tomatoes and basil.
Emjay Tinker
[email protected]I'm always looking for new recipes that are healthy and delicious, and this pasta salad definitely fits the bill.
AMATULLAH CHADO
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. I often make it the night before, and it's even better the next day.
Chris Effingham
[email protected]I love that this pasta salad is so customizable. I can add or remove ingredients to suit my taste.
Sania Anzara
[email protected]This pasta salad is so versatile. I've made it with different types of pasta, tomatoes, and basil, and it's always delicious.
France Tebogo
[email protected]I made this pasta salad for my kids, and they loved it! They're always asking me to make it again.
Ladllla usama
[email protected]I'm a vegetarian, and I love that this pasta salad is meatless. It's a great option for a light and healthy meal.
Heba Heba
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover pasta. I always have some leftover pasta in my fridge, and this is a great way to use it up.
jamie read
[email protected]I'm always looking for new pasta salad recipes, and this one is definitely a keeper. I love the addition of fresh tomatoes and basil.
Angela Uwuimwonse
[email protected]I made this pasta salad for a picnic, and it was perfect. It's light and refreshing, and it held up well in the heat.
qadeer ali
[email protected]This pasta salad is so easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love that it's made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Mamta Thapa
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of pasta salad, but this one changed my mind. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil is simply divine. I'll be making this all summer long.
Md jakir Mahomud
[email protected]This pasta salad was a huge hit at my summer potluck! The tomatoes were juicy and flavorful, the basil was fragrant, and the olive oil dressing was light and tangy. I'll definitely be making this again.