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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Rahul kumar A3333
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this pasta salad. It's a great way to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Kisekka Dube
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover pasta. It's also a very versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking.
Zachary Herman
[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.
meraj md
[email protected]I've been making this pasta salad for years and it's always a favorite at parties and picnics.
Ssempagama Deus
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the tomatoes and basil.
Brittany Heim-Harney
[email protected]I love that this pasta salad is so easy to make. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
The Bedboy
[email protected]This pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover tomatoes. It's also a very healthy and refreshing dish.
md shek
[email protected]I made this pasta salad for a potluck and it was a big hit! Everyone loved it.
adee javed
[email protected]This pasta salad was a bit too oily for my taste. I think I'll use less olive oil next time.
nayen miah
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and my pasta salad turned out great! I love the combination of tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
EdwinSampa Kakungulu
[email protected]This pasta salad was a bit bland for my taste. I think I'll add some more salt and pepper next time.
Brytni Retcher
[email protected]I've made this pasta salad a few times now and it's always a hit. It's so easy to make and the flavors are amazing.
Akwasarps TV
[email protected]This pasta salad is so refreshing and perfect for summer.
Abubaker Abdullah
[email protected]This was a delicious and healthy pasta salad. I made it for a picnic and it was a big hit.
Abdulwli Zazai
[email protected]I love this pasta salad! It's so easy to make and always a hit at parties. I usually add some crumbled feta cheese on top.
Ahmadali Khan
[email protected]This was a great recipe! I used fresh tomatoes from my garden and they were so flavorful. The dressing was also very tasty.
Shuv Thakur
[email protected]Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great! The pasta was cooked perfectly and the dressing was delicious. Will definitely be making this again.
Owen Tattersall
[email protected]This pasta salad was a refreshing and flavorful summer meal. The tomatoes and basil were so fresh and juicy, and the dressing was light and tangy. I added a bit of grilled chicken for some extra protein, and it was perfect.