Best 4 Heirloom Tomato Herb Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a burst of colors and flavors with our heirloom tomato and herb pasta salad, a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. This delightful salad features a medley of ripe heirloom tomatoes, each bursting with a unique blend of sweetness and tanginess. Tossed with tender pasta, fragrant herbs, and a light vinaigrette dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Discover the art of crafting this vibrant dish, along with two additional pasta salad recipes that will tantalize your taste buds: a zesty lemon and arugula pasta salad and a creamy avocado and bacon pasta salad. Unleash your culinary creativity and explore the world of pasta salads with this trio of delectable recipes.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH HERBED RICOTTA



Heirloom Tomatoes with Herbed Ricotta image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups fresh ricotta, preferably homemade (recipe follows)
3 tablespoons minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pints assorted heirloom tomatoes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
Fleur de sel
4 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons good white wine vinegar

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, scallions, dill, chives, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside for up to 30 minutes.
  • With a small serrated knife, cut the larger tomatoes in wedges through the stem and the smaller tomatoes in half through the stem. Place them in a medium bowl with the garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and set aside.
  • When ready to serve, add the basil to the tomatoes and combine. Pile the ricotta in a large (12-inch) round shallow bowl or oval platter. Using a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes around the ricotta, discarding any liquid. Drizzle the tomatoes and ricotta with olive oil, sprinkle with the reserved basil and fleur de sel, and serve at room temperature.
  • Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
  • Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
  • Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.

MARINATED TOMATO SALAD WITH HERBS



Marinated Tomato Salad with Herbs image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h10m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 to 8 ripe tomatoes
4 green onions
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Handful fresh parsley leaves, lightly chopped
12 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Steps:

  • Cut the tomatoes into 4 wedges, then cut the wedges in half and add to a bowl. Lop off the tops of the green onions, then slice the white and mostly light green parts really thin. Add to the tomatoes.
  • Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dash of salt and pepper to a jar. Screw on the lid and shake to combine. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and toss.
  • Add the herbs and gently toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND HERB SALAD



Heirloom Tomato and Herb Salad image

This salad brings out the best in seasonal produce and fresh herbs. A simple drizzle of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar and some salt and pepper make the natural flavors shine.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 pounds heirloom tomatoes (small ones halved, large ones sliced or cut into wedges)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil and white balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
1 cup mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, mint, and dill

Steps:

  • Arrange tomatoes on a platter. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil. Drizzle herbs with oil and vinegar, and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Sprinkle herbs over tomatoes. Serve immediately.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND HERB PASTA SALAD



HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND HERB PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Tomato

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup creme fraiche
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 lbs. mixed Heirloom tomatoes
2 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot
1 lb. fusilli
3/3 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs; basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, tarragon

Steps:

  • 1. Whisk together oil, creme fraiche, vinegar, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. 2. Coarsley chop tomatoes and toss with shallot and dressing. Marinate at least 10 minutes. 3. Cook pasta; drain and immediately add to tomatoes. Cool to warm or room temperature, do not chill. Stir in herbs and serve.

Tips:

  • Choose the best tomatoes: Look for ripe, juicy, and flavorful heirloom tomatoes. Beefsteak, Brandywine, and Cherokee Purple are great options.
  • Use fresh herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme are classic choices, but you can also experiment with other herbs like mint, cilantro, or dill.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
  • Make the dressing in advance: The dressing can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time, so you can save time when assembling the salad.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and develop.

Conclusion:

This heirloom tomato and herb pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing summer dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a light and flavorful salad, give this recipe a try!

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