Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our culinary choices often shift toward lighter, fresher fare. In the realm of summer dishes, few recipes can match the vibrant appeal and refreshing taste of a chilled pasta salad. The Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta is a quintessential summer delight, perfect for those warm afternoons spent outdoors or a light lunch that satisfies without weighing you down. This dish is not only visually stunning, with its array of bright colors and textures, but it also brings together an exciting medley of flavors that invigorate the palate.

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta recipe that's bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. Made with sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, this pasta salad is not only visually stunning but also nutritious. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy a refreshing, easy-to-make meal that embodies the essence of summer dining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz uncooked pasta (preferably fusilli or penne)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or a vegan alternative)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon to toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring the tomatoes are evenly coated with the marinade.

Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate the chopped basil and parsley into the tomato mixture. If you choose to include black olives, now is the time to add the sliced olives for an additional flavor dimension.

Combine Pasta and Marinade: Once the pasta has cooled down completely, add it to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes and herbs. Carefully mix the entire mixture together, making sure that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the marinade.

Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese along with the lemon zest and juice. Toss the pasta again gently to ensure the cheese and lemon are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Chill and Serve: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For the ultimate taste experience, let it chill for 4 hours or even overnight.

Garnish and Enjoy: Prior to serving, give the pasta a gentle toss to re-mix any settling ingredients. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh basil or parsley for an elegant touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour (plus chilling time) | 4-6 servings

Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl or individual plates, garnishing with bright herb sprigs and an extra drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal. Enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh flavors!