Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad

This juicy cherry tomato pasta salad is bursting with flavor, ready in 10 minutes, and requires only 5 ingredients. It makes a vegan, easy, delicious pasta recipe perfect for any summer gathering.

When ripe mini tomatoes are in season, all you have to do is mixing them with garlic, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and pasta.
Fresh, simple ingredients, and amazing flavors!

So what makes this easy pasta salad so darn good? A combination of perfectly cooked pasta, homemade Italian dressing, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and mozzarella cheese. Colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavor in every bite, this summer classic is absolutely irresistible.

Craving fresh, easy dinnertime recipes this summer? Me, too. This Caprese pasta salad recipe is just the ticket! This recipe has been one of my favorites for the past five years, and I’m re-sharing it today in case you have missed it.

Acouple of days ago I unveiled my invective against pasta salad as it’s typically made, and offered a new set of rules to guarantee far better results, along with a chorizo-flavored recipe demonstrating some of those principles. Today I’m sharing one more simple recipe for a light and summery pasta salad that also follows my new guidelines. It features fusilli with tomatoes that I’ve blistered in a hot pan with garlic and olive oil, plus plenty of fresh basil.

Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad 🍅🌿🍝

Ingredients:
900 g (32 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
454 g (1 lb) dried angel hair pasta
1½ cups (6 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions:
Marinate the Cherry Tomatoes:

In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Pasta Salad:

Bring a large pot of salted water (about 2 tablespoons of salt) to a boil.
Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
Drain the pasta and immediately mix it with the cherry tomato marinade.
Toss in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and give it a gentle toss.
Serve:

Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy the perfect blend of fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, and the richness of Parmesan cheese. This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad is ideal for any occasion!

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