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- I made Ina Garten’s easy pasta salad. It’s so good that I’ll be bringing it to every cookout this summer. (businessinsider.com)
Ina Garten’s Tomato Feta Pasta Salad: A New Summer Favorite
As a professional chef and longtime admirer of Ina Garten’s reliable and approachable recipes, I recently decided to try her tomato feta pasta salad in search of a fresh, easy side dish for summer gatherings. The result? A flavorful and satisfying pasta salad that’s quickly become a staple in my recipe collection.
What sets this pasta salad apart from the usual mayo-based versions is its vibrant Mediterranean flair. The recipe combines short-cut pasta-Garten suggests fusilli, though any similar shape works well-with black olives, tangy feta cheese, and two types of tomatoes: fresh and sun-dried (packed in oil for maximum tenderness and flavor). These ingredients bring a delightful umami punch, making the salad both savory and refreshing.
The dressing is a highlight, crafted by blending sun-dried tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, capers, and garlic into a smooth, reddish sauce. While a food processor is ideal for achieving the perfect consistency, you can also finely chop and stir the ingredients if you don’t have one. The dressing is thin enough to coat every bit of pasta, enhancing each bite without overwhelming it.
Preparation is straightforward and efficient. While boiling salted water for the pasta, I chopped fresh tomatoes (I used halved cherry tomatoes instead of diced whole ones), sliced olives, and diced feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
After cooking, I tossed the hot pasta immediately with the dressing and mix-ins-a technique that intensifies the flavors-then allowed it to cool to room temperature. Just before serving, I topped it with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley to add a touch of richness and freshness.
What I especially appreciated about this salad is its balance: it feels lighter than creamy, mayonnaise-heavy versions but remains deeply satisfying thanks to its savory, briny components. The oil-based dressing also helps it hold up well over time; after doubling the recipe, my household enjoyed leftovers for several days without the salad losing its appeal.
With cookout season underway, Ina Garten’s tomato feta pasta salad has earned a regular spot on my summer menu. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress at any picnic or barbecue.