Looking for a refreshing dish that perfectly balances vibrant flavors and delightful textures? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our Chilled Tomato Salsa with Angel Hair Pasta! This quick and easy recipe, taking just 25 minutes from prep to plate, is ideal for warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying. Imagine ripe, juicy tomatoes mingling with aromatic basil and a hint of garlic, all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for any meal. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients for the salsa. Dice the 8 ripe tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to remove any excess seeds if desired for a less watery salsa.
- Add the 1/4 cup of diced red onion to the bowl with the tomatoes. The red onion will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salsa.
- Next, mince the 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the tomato and onion mixture. Garlic will enhance the overall flavor of the salsa.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves and fold them into the mixture. Fresh basil will provide a fragrant aroma and a burst of freshness.
- Season the salsa with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the pasta.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help achieve the chilled effect.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chilled pasta with the prepared tomato salsa. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the salsa, ensuring an even distribution.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pasta and salsa mixture for added flavor and richness. Toss again to combine.
- Serve the chilled tomato salsa with angel hair pasta in individual bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom varieties work wonderfully for a richer taste and vibrant color.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick! Avocado can also add a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it remains al dente. Rinsing it under cold water is crucial to achieving that chilled effect.
- Let the Salsa Rest: Allowing the salsa to sit for at least 10 minutes before mixing with the pasta helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few extra basil leaves on top before serving can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep the salsa and pasta separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the perfect texture.
- Pair It Right: Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
