Summer Garden Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This vibrant and refreshing pasta dish is perfect for summery gatherings when fresh ingredients shine. Featuring a delightful combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and robust sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe serves a generous 12 people—ideal for a crowd or to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week. The dressing, a luscious mix of olive oil, garlic, and a hint of vinegar, ties the flavors together beautifully. Note that I've customized this recipe with fusilli pasta for easier mixing, and to accommodate personal tastes, capers are added at the table. If you adore sun-dried tomatoes, this dish will quickly become a favorite! Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for picnics or potlucks.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fusilli pasta
1 lb (spiral)
Kosher salt
to taste
Olive oil
as needed
Ripe tomatoes
1 lb (cut in medium dice)
Black olives (Kalamata)
1/4 cup (pitted and diced)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
1 lb (cut in medium dice)
Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
6 (drained and chopped)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup
Basil leaves
1 cup (packed and cut in julienne)
Sun-dried tomatoes (for dressing)
5 (packed in oil and drained)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Olive oil (for dressing)
6 tablespoons
Garlic clove
1-2 (diced)
Capers
1 teaspoon
Kosher salt (for dressing)
2 teaspoons
Fresh ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the fusilli according to the package instructions for about 12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced ripe tomatoes, diced olives, mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
3
To prepare the dressing, combine the remaining sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, diced garlic, capers, kosher salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches a nearly smooth consistency.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and julienned basil leaves on top. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly until the pasta is well-coated, and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Serve immediately, or allow the pasta to chill in the refrigerator for flavor to meld. For those who enjoy them, pass additional capers at the table.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Garden Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for summer gatherings.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve a generous crowd of 12 people.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Fusilli pasta is recommended because its spiral shape allows for easier mixing and better coating of the dressing.
How long should I cook the fusilli?
The pasta should be cooked for about 12 minutes or until it reaches an al dente consistency.
Should I add anything to the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add a splash of olive oil before cooking the pasta.
What is the first step after draining the pasta?
After draining the pasta well, you must allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
How should the ripe tomatoes be prepared?
The ripe tomatoes should be cut into a medium dice.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for pitted and diced Kalamata black olives.
How should the fresh mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be cut into a medium dice to match the size of the tomatoes.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes used in the pasta mixture?
Six sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil should be drained and chopped for the main pasta mixture.
How many sun-dried tomatoes are needed for the dressing?
Five sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drained are required specifically for the dressing.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, diced garlic, capers, kosher salt, and black pepper.
What equipment is needed to make the dressing?
A food processor is needed to blend the dressing ingredients until they reach a nearly smooth consistency.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 diced garlic cloves for the dressing.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How are capers used in this dish?
One teaspoon of capers is blended into the dressing, and additional capers can be passed at the table for individual preference.
When should the Parmesan cheese be added?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese should be added on top of the pasta after the dressing has been poured over the mixture.
How should the basil leaves be prepared?
The basil leaves should be packed and then cut into a julienne style.
How do I ensure the pasta is well-coated?
Toss everything gently yet thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the pasta is fully covered in dressing.
Can this pasta be served immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately or allowed to chill in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for picnics or potlucks because it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Kosher salt.
How much olive oil is used for the dressing?
Six tablespoons of olive oil are used to create the dressing.
Can I enjoy this as leftovers?
Yes, the description notes that it is ideal to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features robust sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy Mediterranean-style dressing.
What is the purpose of chilling the pasta?
Chilling the pasta allows the dressing and various fresh ingredients to meld together for a deeper flavor.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What style of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This dish is categorized as Mediterranean-style pasta salad.