This Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad is a light, yet satisfying meal that brings out the best of summer’s bounty. The sweet and savory blistered tomatoes pair beautifully with the fresh basil and Parmesan, making every bite a burst of flavor.
It’s a versatile dish that can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or even a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, this pasta salad can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual meal with family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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12 ounces short pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blistered tomatoes, and minced garlic.
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Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the pasta mixture, tossing to coat.
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Add the chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss again and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour for a chilled pasta salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Magic of Roasted Tomatoes
One of the stars of this recipe is the blistered tomatoes. Roasting or blistering tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and brings out their rich, savory flavors. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, turning them into little bursts of flavor that complement the other ingredients perfectly. The process of roasting tomatoes is simple: just toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until they’re slightly charred and soft. The result is a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor that adds depth to the pasta salad.
A Fresh and Flavorful Combination
While the roasted tomatoes provide the dish with warmth and richness, fresh basil adds a burst of freshness. Basil is an herb that is often used in Italian cooking and is known for its bright, aromatic flavor. It pairs beautifully with tomatoes, making it the perfect companion for this pasta salad. Adding freshly chopped basil at the end of the cooking process ensures that it retains its vibrant flavor, adding a fresh, herbal note that balances the rich, roasted tomatoes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad with Basil is versatile and can be served on many occasions. It works wonderfully as a light lunch, a side dish at a family dinner, or even as a standalone meal. The best part? It’s suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian diets, and can easily be adapted to vegan diets by omitting the Parmesan or substituting it with a plant-based option. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, whether they’re looking for something light or a dish packed with flavor.
Simple to Prepare Yet Full of Flavor
One of the best things about this pasta salad is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that feels like it’s been carefully crafted. The key is to allow the tomatoes to roast and blister, which gives them an intense, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta and other ingredients. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, giving it a firm texture that holds up well when tossed with the tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
The Versatility of Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is highly adaptable. The base of the salad is made with short pasta, such as penne or fusilli, but you can easily swap in other types of pasta, depending on what you have on hand. Whether it’s spaghetti, rigatoni, or farfalle, the flavors in this salad will still shine through. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the recipe to your taste. For example, try adding a little lemon zest for extra freshness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad with Basil is also an excellent choice for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator, so you can make it ahead of time and have a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner for several days. The flavors only get better as they marinate, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many servings you need. If you’re preparing for a crowd, you can easily double the recipe, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping.
A Light, Yet Satisfying Dish
While this pasta salad is light and refreshing, it’s also filling enough to satisfy your hunger. The combination of roasted tomatoes, pasta, and Parmesan cheese provides a good balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious, satisfying dish without feeling overly full or weighed down. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can savor the natural flavors of each component, making every bite a pleasure.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
This pasta salad is a fantastic dish to bring to summer gatherings. Whether you’re attending a picnic, a barbecue, or a potluck, this Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad with Basil will make a great addition to the spread. It’s easy to transport, and it’s even better when served chilled, making it a great dish for warm-weather events. The bright, vibrant colors of the roasted tomatoes and fresh basil also make it visually appealing, adding a pop of color to any table.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This dish not only tastes great but also offers several health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been shown to support heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Basil is a good source of essential oils and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. When combined with the healthy fats from olive oil and the fiber from pasta, this dish provides a nutritious option for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Customization Options
One of the best things about this pasta salad is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. If you want to make it a bit heartier, you could add grilled chicken or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you could swap it for feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Adding olives or capers can also provide an extra layer of briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. The possibilities are endless, making it a dish that you can adjust based on what you have available or what you’re in the mood for.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Versatile Dish for All Seasons
In conclusion, the Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad with Basil is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and pasta creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s light enough for a summer lunch but hearty enough to serve as a main dish. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family, friends, and guests. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a gathering, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and indulgent. So, the next time you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful dish, give this Blistered Tomato Pasta Salad a try – it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.