Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light pasta salad with ripe summer tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing, perfect for hot days. This italian-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 31 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 11 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 10-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves to the pasta.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese over the salad and toss briefly. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (20 min prep + 11 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Tomato and Basil Cold Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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