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As the sun shines brightly and temperatures rise, the thought of spending hours in a hot kitchen can feel daunting. During the warm summer months, the appeal of no-cook meals becomes irresistible. Not only do they save you from the heat of the stove, but they also allow you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh produce at their peak. One such dish that captures the essence of summer is the Fresh and Zesty No-Cook Tomato Pasta. This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and colors that make it a perfect addition to your warm-weather dining repertoire.

No-Cook Tomato Pasta

Enjoy the flavors of summer with the Fresh and Zesty No-Cook Tomato Pasta recipe! Perfect for warm days, this quick and vibrant meal uses fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and briny olives, all tossed together with a simple dressing of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish lets you savor seasonal produce with ease and style!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, gently torn

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water to halt further cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, sliced Kalamata olives, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Gently mix to combine these vibrant ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

      Flavor the Base: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the high-quality extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice until well blended. This dressing will add a burst of flavor to the tomato mixture.

        Combine It All: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the tomato mixture and the prepared dressing. Using tongs or a large fork, gently toss everything together, making sure that the pasta is thoroughly coated in the colorful mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting according to preference.

          Finishing Touches: If you opted to include Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the assembled pasta and give it one last gentle toss to ensure the cheese is incorporated evenly, adding a delightful creaminess to the dish.

            Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving platter or individual plates. For the best flavor, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes for the ingredients to meld together, or enjoy it right away at room temperature or slightly chilled.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing finish, garnish each plate with a few extra torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch!