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As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, our culinary choices often shift toward lighter, fresher fare. In the realm of summer dishes, few recipes can match the vibrant appeal and refreshing taste of a chilled pasta salad. The Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta is a quintessential summer delight, perfect for those warm afternoons spent outdoors or a light lunch that satisfies without weighing you down. This dish is not only visually stunning, with its array of bright colors and textures, but it also brings together an exciting medley of flavors that invigorate the palate.

Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta

Experience the summer delight of Cold Marinated Tomato Pasta, a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm afternoons. Bursting with flavor from sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, this easy-to-make pasta salad is visually stunning and nutritious. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors meld beautifully. Discover how to create this delicious dish that captures the essence of summer dining.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz uncooked pasta (fusilli or penne works best)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes in the marinade.

      Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped basil and parsley to the tomato mixture. If using, add the sliced black olives for an extra burst of flavor.

        Combine Pasta and Marinade: Once the pasta is fully cooled, add it to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the marinade.

          Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Add the crumbled feta cheese and the lemon zest and juice. Toss the pasta again to distribute the cheese and lemon throughout the dish.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. For the best taste, chill for 4 hours or overnight if possible.

              Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, give the pasta a gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold, garnished with extra basil or parsley if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour (plus chilling time) | 4-6 servings