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Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Copyright, 2002, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, All Rights Reserved
Show:  Barefoot Contessa   
Episode:  Pasta Bella
Overall User Rating: Overall User Rating
See this recipe on air Monday Jul. 21 at 5:00 PM ET/PT.


Summertime dinner
07/21/2008 at 03:13pm
User: Renee from Methuen, MA    User Rating:
This dish was excellent!! So light and flavorful, the perfect dish for summer. I paired it with some grilled chicken and white wine. I will be making this again soon!




Delicous
06/25/2008 at 09:48pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
This was a very flavorful dish. My family loved it!




OMG
06/22/2008 at 11:54am
User: Max from HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA    User Rating:
Is no other words to tell you how delicious and the success when I did this pasta it was excellent. Thankyou Ina, I have all your books and I keep watching your shows ..... I love you Thank you again PS: All your recipes and books are in Costa Rica I send them to my family so they can enjoyed the same as I do.




Fantastic!
06/06/2008 at 12:25pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
This recipe is SO easy and was a HUGE hit. I doubled the recipe for a large party and added a jar of drained, marinated artichoke hearts. I left out the tomatoes since I didn't want to take away from the sun dried tomatoes. I also added about 1/2 of the mozzarella. It's a great recipe to make your own!




Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes
03/21/2008 at 12:59pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Taste excellent and easy to prepare. Exellent choice




Wonderful and easy
03/19/2008 at 07:48pm
User: Sherry from Port Orange, FL    User Rating:
Loved the flavors, rare reviews from co-workers and many have requested recipe. Ina has another hit.




Forgot the parmesan - didn't need it.
12/17/2007 at 02:05pm
User: Paula from Port ST Joe, FL    User Rating:
Oops, I was in such a hurry to get ready for a party that I neglected to add the parmesan. I doubled the recipe and cut the salt in half. It was plenty salty, and could not imagine what the addition of parmesan would have done. Yikes! I crumbled in 4 oz. of goat cheese when I added the basil. Used the dressing ingredients as listed, except for the amount of salt. I think I will try some balsamic vinegar next time and not forget parmesan. It was still delicious!!




Restaurant quality
11/21/2007 at 10:16am
User: Jan from Greenville, OH    User Rating:
My college-aged sons said this is the BEST thing I've ever made and it is better than anything they've had in a restaurant! I've made this many times..often I tear up a rotissiere chicken and add that and a couple sliced zucchini to this... stretches it and it's a complete meal. Good hot or cold.




Oh my!
10/23/2007 at 08:27pm
User: Kiki from Walker, MN    User Rating:
I have always had trouble making a tasty pasta salad and shy away from ever serving mine to guests. What I made tonight from inferior ingredients was exceptional. I can only dream of how this would taste with garden fresh organic tomatoes, and top shelf ingredients. I used sun-dried tomatoes in oil from the dollar store and Kalamata olives & rotini from Wal-mart. The mozzarella was chopped up string cheese - admittedly a good rich tasting brand from Wisconsin. I only had half the amount. No capers. Our tomatoes from the garden have finished producing up here in Minnesota so I used a can of well-drained diced Red-Gold I had in the pantry. Helpful was the fresh organic basil that is hanging on in my greenhouse. I cut the salt down to 1 tsp which was plenty. The parmesean was fresh which I microplaned which must have been about half the amount. At the end I decided to throw in a little grated parmesean from the large holes on my grater. The microplaner turns out fluffy wispy parmesean. I wanted a little parmesean in the salad that we could sink our teeth into. Can't wait to try a forkful again tomorrow after the flavors have melded in the fridge. We will definitely make this again and follow Ina's recipe to the letter. Thank you so much Ina for this wonderful recipe. I feel confident that I now have a pasta salad in my repertoire that I would be excited to serve.




Versatile
09/17/2007 at 03:16pm
User: Denise from Bull Shoals, AR    User Rating:
I started making this before I made certain I had everything. Even after making a couple of adjustments (using romano & parmesan, regular store-bought mozzarella, and leaving out all the salt), it was fabulous.




Absolutely fabulous!
09/16/2007 at 11:01am
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
I made two batches of this recipe for a party and it was a huge hit! I have to echo other user's remarks that the sauce was too salty. To make an adjustment for this, I did not add any salt and only added half of the capers when I made the dressing the second time. Enjoy!




Delicious, but why SO MUCH CHEESE??
08/26/2007 at 07:47pm
User: Allyson from Gainesville, FL    User Rating:
I made this after finding the recipe online when searching for something new to do with sun-dried tomatoes, which I love. This dish was easy to prepare, and tastes fabulous. My only gripe is: much too much (I don't each this much cheese in a month) CHEESE. I couldn't believe the amount of cheese. I have made an entire pan of lasagna with less cheese. I actually used only 4 ounces, and I still thought the dish was too mozzarella-heavy. I think even cheese lovers would gag on ONE ENTIRE POUND of mozzarella. Definitely not for anyone watching their calories, fat, or cholesterol. I followed the recipe exactly, otherwise, and can say it is a delicious dish. I'd make it again, with heavy cheese restriction.




Delicious!
08/17/2007 at 08:56pm
User: Michelle from Fairburn, GA    User Rating:
I made this recipe today and to my chagrin discovered that I hadn't bought the fresh mozzarella! Needless to say, it still turned out wonderful. The dressing tasted delightful- a little tangy (which I loved), but not overboard. It was perfect! I'll have to make it again in the future AND remember the mozzarella. :o)




Wow! This was great!
08/15/2007 at 08:38pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Great taste, very easy to make...most definitely a keeper! Didn't use as much salt or parmesan cheese as recipe called for based on other reviews...taste was excellent!




DDDDelcious
08/13/2007 at 07:04pm
User: Kathie from Oakdale, NY    User Rating:
My family loved this dish. Great change and twist on the old fashion pasta salad.




Easy to make
08/01/2007 at 12:08pm
User: alexandra from Rahway, NJ    User Rating:
This was an easy recipes to make .. but I was not impress




excellent
07/24/2007 at 10:33pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
taists wonderful...thank you...layers of authentic flavor without alot of unnecessary ingredients......




Compliments never stopped
07/06/2007 at 10:17am
User: Christina from Austin, TX    User Rating:
I made this salad for a family get-together and everyone loved it! The sundried tomatoes really give it that extra flavor. Next time, though, I might omit the olives since my husband didn't care for them. Othewise, it was a hit.




Love it!
07/04/2007 at 09:54am
User: Amy from N. Andover, MA    User Rating:
I have made this many times now... it's the best pasta salad I've *ever* had... it stays moist and gets better as it keeps in the fridge. I had to make it without the olives for my boyfriend, but I prefer it with. I just love this!!




Simply delish!
07/03/2007 at 02:51pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
I made this for a picnic at my folks house. My picky eater father loved it. It's a great salad that is good slightly warm, cold or room temperature. It's also good if you want more of a meal and add grilled chicken!




kurten-Waxahachie
06/25/2007 at 09:16pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Was very good, I used more sun dried tomatoes and pesto than called for. It could also use a little more dressing as well.




Changed a bit but good
06/22/2007 at 02:08am
User: Misty from La Porte, TX    User Rating:
I could not find sun-dried tomatoes so I used fresh ones. My husband loved it...especially the dressing!




flavorful
06/13/2007 at 05:05pm
User: charlene from oklahoma city, OK    User Rating:
wonderfully easy and made the day before, this was a crowd pleaser. A favorite at our house. We just need more of Ina, love her and Jeffrey episodes.




very good
05/29/2007 at 05:43pm
User: Monica from Oakbrook Terrace, IL    User Rating:
I added asparagus-- it was tasty. I love Ina she is my favorite!




delish
05/28/2007 at 02:14pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Easy to make and great to eat!




Wonderful pasta salad
05/26/2007 at 06:18pm
User: Carolyn from Clemmons, NC    User Rating:
This is definitely a great recipe and one you can make your own. I did not use mozzarella, but added green pepper and red onion. I also used a jarred olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing infused that with the sun dried tomatoes in the food processor..Fantastic!




Great summer salad
05/17/2007 at 12:06am
User: Kelli from los Gatos, CA    User Rating:
This was my first recipe I tried by Ina and I've been a fan of hers ever since. Simple and delicious recipes are her trademark. I don't care for olives and I still love this recipe. An excellent pasta for picnics, beaches, boating.




Best tomato & basil pasta recipe
05/15/2007 at 03:57pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Excellent recipe, Ina does it again!




Delish sund-dried tomatoe pasta!
05/12/2007 at 11:33am
User: Jennifer from Clearwater, FL    User Rating:
Even my picky 100% Italian husband loves this incredibly easy to make dish...and it lasts for days !




Everyone....
05/11/2007 at 11:44am
User: Kelly from Land O Lakes, FL    User Rating:
...loved this recipe when I made it for a party. Easy to make, and so good!




Wonderful blend of flavors!
05/10/2007 at 12:28pm
User: TERRY from Alexandria, VA    User Rating:
I love this pasta salad, so different from what people usually think of. The sun dried tomatoes are terrific, make sure you use good cheeses! I did think it was a teensy bit salty so next time I'll halve the amount of salt-better to have to add more later. Another "Ina Keeper"!!




expensive but worth it!
05/06/2007 at 11:59pm
User: Misty from Grass Valley, CA    User Rating:
A really delicious pasta salad that gets better the longer it sits. A burst of flavor in every bite. The sauce is rich and satisfying. The only downside of this recipe is that the ingredients add up to an expensive pasta dish but well worth it!




One of the best pasta salads...
04/08/2007 at 02:46pm
User: Julie from Celebration, FL    User Rating:
I've ever made. Only thing is there's too much salt in the dressing. 2 teaspoons of kosher salt is way too much along with the other salty ingredients (capers, olives, parmesan), plus if you liberally salt your pasta water. I would suggest only using 1 teaspoon, if that. Other than that this recipe is absolutely delicious. Oh, and I added pine nuts too. Yummy!




Perfecto
04/08/2007 at 02:38pm
User: DEBBIE from Orange, CA    User Rating:
I have made many types of pasta, and consider myself a good cook. This recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious. I wouldn't change a thing about this recipe!




A Crowd Pleaser
04/07/2007 at 10:36am
User: Karen from Dallas, TX    User Rating:
This was a great dish. I took it to a get together and everyone raved about it - wanted the recipe.




Sooooooo Gooood!!
04/05/2007 at 10:27pm
User: Polly from Fairfax, VA    User Rating:
Simply perfect!!




newmsmiz
04/03/2007 at 03:54pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
soooooooooooo good!




INCREDIBLE!!!!!
04/02/2007 at 07:46pm
User: DeAnn from Senoia, GA    User Rating:
I made this recipe and it was one of the most delicious pasta dishes I have ever tasted!!! It was easy to prepare and a keeper in my recipe box! My thanks to Ina Garten for sharing her incredible recipes!!!




Amazing
03/19/2007 at 04:10pm
User: Ashley from Roslindale, MA    User Rating:
This recipe tasted gourmet, it was so good. I felt like I had bought it somewhere else, even though I was the one who made it. The sun dried tomato sauce is so rich and flavorful-this is a crowd please for sure.




Pasta & Sun Dried Tomatos
03/06/2007 at 04:12pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
This pasta dish is EXCELLENT. The sun-dried tomatoes make all the difference!! Thanks Ina........




Great!!
02/14/2007 at 08:14am
User: Ashley from Bartlett, TN    User Rating:
This dish was great!! And perfect to pack with lunches!!




Party Hit!
02/04/2007 at 03:33pm
User: KRISTINE from Maple Valley, WA    User Rating:
Was a quick and easy salad to prepare for a crowd. Everyone really seemed to enjoy it. Light and fresh tasting.




Beware the Salt!
02/01/2007 at 12:38am
User: Harry from Escondido, CA    User Rating:
I love salt, but like another reviewer noted, this is far too salty, especially with the capers. DEFINITELY cut the salt in half as part of the dressing -- 2 tsp was far too much. Believe me. I had to double the oil to tone it down. Otherwise, very pretty pasta salad. I also, too, had to cut the parmesan cheese in half for fear the salad would be too dry.




delicious
01/31/2007 at 03:35pm
User: MARY from TORRANCE, CA    User Rating:
Wonderful and easy too! it was a hit with everybody.




So incredibly flavorful!
01/05/2007 at 10:28am
User: Molly from Vista, CA    User Rating:
The fusion of flavors in this dish is simply out of this world. This recipe is one that you will take to pot lucks, have at family gatherings, or any other place you want to show off your culinary skills...but be sure to have a copy of this recipe with you to hand out, because everyone is going to want it! Again, the taste is amazing!




Perfect!
12/29/2006 at 02:53pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Another perfect recipe from Ina! No changes or substitutions necessary...Everyone loved it!




Wow
12/29/2006 at 12:11pm
User: Anjuli from Brighton, MA    User Rating:
This salad was a big hit at a weekend getaway by the beach. Its cool, refreshing flavors mixed well with the cracked black pepper to give it a nice kick. It was received well for its savory flavors. I added baby zucchini that rounded it out nicely. This is a must-try! I will be making this for years to come...




Very different from normal pasta salad
11/25/2006 at 11:12pm
User: Kerry from Frederick, MD    User Rating:
The salad was very easy to make and tasted exactly right on the first try. The colors of the ingredients created an amazing presentation. I served this at a picnic which was excellent since this salad does not have a mayonaise base. The guests all commented on the originality of the salad and the great taste.




Really amazing
11/25/2006 at 05:34pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Lovely tomato taste and luscious layers of flavours. Thank you!




Tasty!
11/03/2006 at 05:29pm
User: JEANNE from Brook Park, OH    User Rating:
A very good recipe. I tweaked it a bit using only a half pound of fresh mozz and omitted the capers and Parmesan. The dressing was too salty so next time I'd cut down on the amount.




Great pasta salad
10/28/2006 at 11:04pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
I've made this recipe a number of times and I absolutely love it. I add more basil. I've also served it at room temperature with cubed, roasted eggplant and golden raisins stirred in(omit the mozarella and reduce the vinegar to make more of a sauce than a dressing). I served this with thinly sliced flank steak spiced with a morrocan rub . My husband and I thought it was a great variation on an already terrific recipe.




really good
10/19/2006 at 05:27pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
i loved this dish...i added a diced yellow onion and grilled chicken and made it as a dinner. my "steak and potato" husband loved it!




Incredible Flavors!
09/30/2006 at 01:32pm
User: Melanie from Washington, DC    User Rating:
The combination of flavors in this pasta salad makes everything just pop!! This would be a excellent side dish to serve to guests at a party. The only issue that I have is with the amount of sundried tomatoes, I would probably add a few more next time. Another great by Ina Garten!!




Perfect
09/10/2006 at 01:24pm
User: Libby from West Point, NY    User Rating:
I am not a pasta salad person, but I loved this! I omitted the salt from the dressing since other reviews mentioned the saltiness. Will definitely make again




Paula, Pembroke, Ma.
09/08/2006 at 02:36pm
User: Paula from Pembroke, MA    User Rating:
This was the best pasta salad I have ever eatten and the family loved it.....What was leftover I had for lunch during the week and tasted even better.........




Pasta w/sun dried tomatoes
09/07/2006 at 12:33pm
User: MONICA from Philadelphia, PA    User Rating:
This was absolutely wonderful. I used the sun dried tomatoes and olives from the olive bar at my supermarket which had extra herbs and spices in the marinades. My husband can't wait for me to make it again. Will defintely be a regular in our house. Am anxious to serve it to guests also.




Excellent
09/02/2006 at 11:10pm
User: Michele from Jessup, PA    User Rating:
I loved the taste of this salad. It was very easy to make and had lots of flavor. My fiance kept saying he hates sun-dried tomatoes. I made him try this salad, and he ate more than I did. To make it a little more "figure friendly", the next time I will add a little less mozzarella and a little more fresh tomatoes.




Very Good!
09/02/2006 at 01:30pm
User: KAREN from Lancaster, CA    User Rating:
My family loved it!




A Keeper
08/06/2006 at 04:55pm
User: janine from Beverly Hills, CA    User Rating:
Made this yesterday to bring to a friends bbq. After reading the other reviews, I cut the salt to 1 tsp and the parmesan to 1/2 cup. I thought it was incredibly fresh tasting and delicious. Will definitely make again.




Great flavor!!
08/02/2006 at 12:05pm
User: Heather from Greensboro, NC    User Rating:
This recipe was heavy on flavor, but really light as well. I did add toasted walnuts for a crunchy texture, but the deep flavor of the dressing can stand on it's own. A good pot luck or barbeque side dish.




Tasty winner
07/26/2006 at 07:49pm
User: Anita from Woodstock, GA    User Rating:
My husband absolutely loved the recipe. It was quick to prepare and keeps well. The sun-dried tomatoes add a different flavor to your usual pasta salad and the olives add even more zing.




A great departure from traditional pasta salad
06/21/2006 at 05:39pm
User: Lynn from Colorado Springs, CO    User Rating:
This was a big hit with my family. The sun-dried tomatoes really make the dish pop. I used a little less cheese than called for, and it was very moist.




This is savory and fabulous!
06/17/2006 at 07:09pm
User: Rosemary from Madison, CT    User Rating:
I saw Ina prepare this on her show and decided it might be not too difficult to do. I made this as a trial before a very important family get together, and my daughter and husband said it was the best pasta salad I had ever made! Thank you, Ina! It's now going to be a family tradition. Even tho the ingredients seem numerous, they are things we all have in our cabinets. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!




Perfect summer dish
06/07/2006 at 04:16pm
User: estelle from manhasset, NY    User Rating:
This is a simple, no fuss, delicious pasta salad that is just perfect for summer gatherings. You can make it ahead of time and it sits well. A pound of pasta will yield enough for at least 6-8 people, provided that you have a side green salad and bread. The dressing is indeed a bit salty but just add a little more olive oil and you are all set. It is visually appetizing and quick to make. Even my 6 year old daughter loved it. I will keep this in my repetoire.




Hit the spot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
05/31/2006 at 09:13pm
User: meranda from claremont, CA    User Rating:
I made this recipe for the Mothers Day and it was a huge hit! The only thing I left out were the olives (some members of my family are allergic) it was delicious even though. I usually make the regular Italian pasta salad with the Italian seasoning and dressing, not anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Crowd Pleaser
05/29/2006 at 12:12am
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Very easy and quick to make. Guests think you went to a lot of trouble. Finally a pasta salad with great flavor!




Delicious!!
05/20/2006 at 04:46pm
User: Amelia from Newton, MA    User Rating:
This pasta salad is delicious! I used 1 T balsamic vinegar and 1 T red wine instead of 2 T red wine vinegar, and it still came out great. Wonderful flavors in this dish!! I think it will be great for summer parties.




great!
05/20/2006 at 01:31am
User: SABA from bloomfield, MI    User Rating:
my husband absolutely loves this dish. love the fresh ingredient - brings the dish alive. so easy too! the pesto is great by itself - have served it on top of garlic bread and ppl loved it. another great recipe from giada!




Easy and great!!!
05/10/2006 at 02:55pm
User: Trena from upper darby, PA    User Rating:
This pasta salad is delicious! Although next time I make it I will only put 1/2 cup of parmasean cheese, the cup made it a little dry for my taste. Also, I had to throw away the first dressing I made due to too much salt. 2 tsp! wow too much!!! I didn't add any salt to my dressing and it tasted so much better! Definitely a winner though and will make again!




good, but a little salty
05/09/2006 at 11:56pm
User: susan from playa vista, CA    User Rating:
the flavor was good, but between the parmesan cheese, olives and the salt, the salad came out a little on the salty side. otherwise it was very good. i think it would be better with a little less salt and a little less parmesan cheese at the end.




Yummy and Tangy
05/06/2006 at 03:41pm
User: Mrs. F from Snellville, GA    User Rating:
This is so good. The next time I make it I will make a little more sauce. Very easy and sooo good!




Olives overboard
05/04/2006 at 05:32pm
User: Barbara from West Palm Beach, FL    User Rating:
OK, I admit I haven't tried this recipe yet. I love sun-dried tomatoes and pasta but do not like olives. Any suggestions on a substitue? I'm thinking maybe some artichoke hearts?




Yummy!
04/25/2006 at 04:26pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Next ime I'll try it without the cheese!




Tastes SOOO Good
03/22/2006 at 07:19pm
User: katie from Mount Morris, IL    User Rating:
This is not your typical pasta salad! It was loaded with flavor. I can't wait to make it again this summer with fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden.




yummy tomatoes and pasta
02/27/2006 at 08:18pm
User: Felisha from Luverne, AL    User Rating:
this is a very lite and refreshing dish. it is perfect for summer time when you don't want to do alot of cooking but still get a meal with lots of flavor.




A Piece of cake
02/25/2006 at 05:13pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Simple, light and easy...




tasty
02/13/2006 at 12:10pm
User: nancy from Prior Lake, MN    User Rating:
fairly easy to make, I found it a bit dry so added some Italian dressing to moisten.




Excellent. So flavorful.
02/09/2006 at 11:11pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
This is such a good pasta. I couldn't stop eating it. It is definely worth the money (and it is not cheap to make correctly) You have to use the fresh mozerrella. It doesn't have a too-strong sun dried tomato taste either. Def. a keeper.




altered for allergies!
02/07/2006 at 10:55pm
User: DJ from Alpharetta, GA    User Rating:
i tried this reciped because i saw i could easily replace some of the ingredients i was allergic to with more allegy friendly foods. i used rice pasta instead of wheat and goat cheese instead of mozzarella. it was wonderful! i've made it so many times since and keep finding yummy ingredients to add (try asparagus!)




Delicious
02/06/2006 at 12:47pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
Very easy, healthy and delicious.




Family liked but a little dry
11/22/2005 at 06:58pm
User: GAIL from NILES, MI    User Rating:
Next time I will not add all the parmesian at the end as it made it dryer than I would like. I will let each person add their own. Outside of that it was very good.




Good pasta salad !
11/04/2005 at 02:52pm
User: SHELLY from Frisco, TX    User Rating:
This was really good and it was worth the $$ to spend on the fresh cheese. I would cook the pasta for 12 min even though it might be a little al dente, but it will hold up better once tossed in the salad. I cooked mine for a few minutes longer and it won't hold it's shape in the salad now. Another suggestion is to hold alittle back on the salt that goes into the dressing. The pasta was good, but a bit salty for my taste. Could be the olives were salty to start with or the little extra parmesan I put in made it over salty.




GREATEST EVER
11/03/2005 at 09:02pm
User: Anonymous    User Rating:
This Pasta salad is the BEST I've ever had. Excellent blend of flavors!! Ina is the GREATEST!




Best Pasta Salad
11/01/2005 at 08:14pm
User: ADELINA from Van Nuys, CA    User Rating:
This was really easy, but yet excellent.