Cold pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil is an enticing main course that captures all the freshness and lightness of the Italian summer.
It envelops you in the embracing aroma of freshly picked basil, the vibrant sweetness of yellow and red cherry tomatoes, and that touch of oregano that recalls sun-kissed Mediterranean gardens.
In this recipe, I chose juicy cherry tomatoes of two colors, to give an explosion of taste and color, combining them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil that enhances every nuance, and salt that wisely balances the sweetness of the seasonal fruits. The result? A delicious cold pasta that not only refreshes but tells a story of tradition, simplicity, and love for genuine ingredients.
Perfect to enjoy at the beach, at a picnic, or after a hot day, this dish is the ideal ally for those seeking simple flavors and lightness.
Also try these other delicious dressings for fantastic summer main courses:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Rest time: 20 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
- Energy 301.10 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 38.69 (g) of which sugars 6.30 (g)
- Proteins 7.56 (g)
- Fat 13.62 (g) of which saturated 1.97 (g)of which unsaturated 0.64 (g)
- Fibers 3.87 (g)
- Sodium 637.98 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 299 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Cold Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
- 14 oz pasta
- 8.8 oz yellow cherry tomatoes
- 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1.4 oz basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 pinches salt
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Preparation of Cold Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Wash, dry the yellow and red cherry tomatoes, and dice them.
Transfer them to a bowl and season with salt, oregano, and torn basil leaves. Add two tablespoons of oil and mix everything.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dressing rest for about twenty minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta al dente in a pot of abundant boiling salted water. Drain well and place it on a plate, adding two tablespoons of oil. Let it cool thoroughly.
Then, pour the pasta into the bowl with the cherry tomatoes and gently combine.
Serve the cold pasta on individual plates and, if you like, add a sprinkle of pepper.
Storage of Cold Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Cold pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It’s important to place it in an airtight container to keep the freshness and aroma of the ingredients, especially the basil, which tends to lose its scent.
Before serving, I recommend taking it out of the fridge a few minutes earlier, to bring it to room temperature, enhancing all the flavors.
Variations
This recipe is truly versatile and lends itself to numerous customizations:
With mozzarella or burrata: Add cubes of fresh mozzarella or stracciatella di burrata for a creamier and more summery note.
With olives and capers: For an extra Mediterranean touch, add pitted black olives and some capers in salt, well rinsed.
With tuna or shrimp: For a more substantial version, combine the pasta with quality canned tuna or quickly sautéed shrimp.
With cucumbers or zucchini: For a crunchier variant, add thinly sliced cucumbers or grilled zucchini.
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FAQ
What is the best type of pasta for this recipe?
I recommend short shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or penne, which hold the dressing well and are easy to eat cold.
Can I prepare cold pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil in advance?
Yes, it is ideal to prepare it a few hours or even the night before to let the flavors blend well. Always store in the refrigerator.
Can I use cherry tomatoes of just one color?
Of course! Red or yellow cherry tomatoes alone are perfect, but the combination gives a livelier look and a more interesting mix of flavors.
