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Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues. A wonderful summer pasta salad – best served at rom temperature.

Heirloom Tomatoes team with a Gluten-Free Quinoa Spaghetti, Easy Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette and Garlic Breadcrumbs

This recipe is a breeze ~

  • Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette (adds a burst of bright flavors) – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm to “grab” the flavor of the dressing)
  • I chose a Quinoa Pasta that is gluten-free. Use what you like! Stir into the marinated tomatoes. 
  • Garlic Breadcrumbs top the dish and add a nice crunchy topping – lends ton of flavor too
  • Shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano or an Aged Gouda cheese tossed in adds heartiness to the dish (omit if vegan)
  • Basil leaves a must – I choose green & purple (opal basil) varieties; scatter on top 
Marinate a colorful array of Heirloom Tomatoes in my Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

An incredibly Easy Recipe featuring my favorite variety of tomatoes – The Heirloom!

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes for the Summer Pasta Salad
Heirloom Tomatoes for the Summer Pasta Salad

Some examples of varieties I love:
Golden Jubilee, Chocolate Pear, Cherokee Purple, Striped German, Brandyboy, Green Zebra and Black Krim.
Each lend a gorgeous color to a recipe – some are milder in flavor with less acid… all sweet with juicy interiors.

Gluten-Free Quinoa Pasta - for the Summer Salad
Gluten-Free Quinoa Pasta – for the Summer Salad
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette – your go-to Summer Pasta Salad! 

Some Heirloom Tomato Facts:

 

  • Heirloom plants are treasures that have been grown for generations from seeds gathered year to year, to preserve their exceptional flavor – as opposed to commercial crops that are prized for their durability, often at the expense of taste and nutrition.
  • These tomatoes can be quirky and odd in shape, in a rainbow of colors, that are as intriguing to look at as they are delicious to eat!
  • The rule of thumb for any kind of heirloom in the seed world is that something has to be at least 50 years old to be an heirloom.
  • Taste for yourself at a local farmers’ market – There are more than 3,000 varieties of heirloom or heritage tomatoes in active cultivation worldwide and more than 15,000 known varieties!
  • They should be available through October or November (I’m in CT!)… then shipped to better grocers, from mainly California.
  • When commercially grown tomatoes are picked green for transport, their vitamin C content is decreased. Although they continue to ripen, turning red in the process, they never achieve their full complement of nutrients.
  • In addition, even minimal commercial processing affects the overall nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, and mishandling that produces bruising further reduces nutritive content.
  • With what we know today about the value of eating a variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, I find that serving colorful and tasty heirloom produce is a fun way to nourish all.

The main reason to choose heirloom tomato varieties is their taste… and “old-time flavor.”

Enjoy!
Karen

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

Heirloom Tomatoes team with Gluten-Free Quinoa Spaghetti, Easy Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette and Garlic Breadcrumbs. Delicious served at room temperature.
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6
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Ingredients

  • 6 medium Heirloom tomatoes use different colors and shapes
  • 1 recipe Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti I used a gluten-free Quinoa Pasta
  • 1 thick slice country bread or choose a gluten-free variety, or sourdough (equal to ½ cup bread cubes)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium fresh garlic clove peeled, finely grated
  • 1 big pinch sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons basil leaves  green and purple
  • 1/4 cup aged gouda shaved; or parmegiano reggiano

Instructions

  • Make Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette.

Make the Garlic Breadcrumbs:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1″ cubes. Add to a small baking dish with 2 t. olive oil, grated garlic and a big pinch of sea salt; mix in. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once or until golden, watch – can burn quickly. When cool, crush with your fingers.

Tomatoes

  •  Wash and dry tomatoes. Cut into wedges or thick slices, discarding the cores.
  • Add them to a large platter and toss with some Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette – at least 1/4 cup.
  • Let marinate at least half an hour.Cook pasta as package directs – al dente. Drain, shake out excess water and combine with marinated Heirloom Tomatoes on the platter. HINT: The warm pasta will grab the flavors of the vinaigrette.

Finish the dish

  • Garnish with Garlic Breadcrumbs just before serving.
  • Top with basil leaves, and shavings of cheese, if using. Add some extra vinaigrette if desired, save the rest in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Notes

This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
COURSE: Main Course, side pasta salad, tomato pasta salad
CUISINE: American
KEYWORDS: heirloom tomato pasta salad, heirloom tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes with pasta
Nutrition Facts
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Amount per Serving
Calories
211
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Cholesterol
 
11
mg
4
%
Sodium
 
155
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
392
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
34
g
11
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
1115
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
 
17
mg
21
%
Calcium
 
91
mg
9
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette

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