Signature Recipe
Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
Pasta salad tossed with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like a vibrant pasta salad to capture the essence of summer. This dish is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients, bringing together the sweet burst of roasted cherry tomatoes, the aromatic charm of fresh basil, and the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that reflect the warmth of the season.
The preparation begins with the simple yet transformative act of roasting cherry tomatoes. As they bake, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a rich, concentrated flavor that elevates this dish to new heights. Paired with the fragrant leaves of fresh basil, which add a refreshing touch, this salad is both simple and sophisticated. Drizzled with a light vinaigrette, the dish achieves a perfect balance, making it an ideal companion for a sunny picnic or a casual weeknight dinner.
With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is designed for ease, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. The steps are straightforward and manageable, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a light main course, this pasta salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser, inviting everyone to savor the joys of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
- 1 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Toss everything together gently until well mixed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- Pasta salad tossed with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette.