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Jammy Tomato & Lemon Pasta Salad Recipe

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5.3 from 27 reviews

This Jammy Tomato & Lemon Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy lemon, and savory sun-dried tomatoes in a zesty vinaigrette. Tossed with pasta, fresh basil, and vegan parmesan, this salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Jammy Tomato Lemon Vinaigrette

  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes jarred in oil, drained
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, or more if you like it spicy
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz of pasta, I used Mezzi Rigatoni
  • Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • Zest and juice of half a lemon
  • 1/3 cup basil leaves
  • 3 ounces of shaved vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Jammy Tomato Lemon Vinaigrette: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan, add cumin seeds, cherry tomatoes, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, Aleppo pepper, lemon juice and zest, garlic, vinegar, and maple syrup. Cook until jammy.
  2. Pasta Salad: Cook pasta, then mix with sliced onion, lemon zest and juice. Add vinaigrette, basil, parmesan, and black pepper. Toss and serve.

Notes

  • The oil from your jarred sun-dried tomatoes is packed with flavor and can be used to cook with.
  • Layer your flavor. Cook your pasta in well salted water. You can follow package instructions to find recommendations. Typically, for 4 quarts of water, 1 tbsp of kosher salt can work. See Q&A regarding concerns for sodium intake.
  • Don’t rinse pasta. Will keep the starch intact, which will help the pasta better absorb the vinaigrette.
  • Refresh leftovers. Stir well before storing again. If needed, add a splash of oil to refresh.

Nutrition