Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Bruschetta Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and shaved Parmesan in bright balsamic-olive oil dressing.

This 25-minute summer side serves 6-8 with Italian flair and no-cook toppings.

Classic bruschetta flavors meet pasta convenience. Perfect for potlucks or grilling sides.

Why This Recipe Works

Tomatoes macerate in dressing for juicy flavor infusion. Cold pasta absorbs without sogginess. Basil stays vibrant when added last. Balsamic glaze adds restaurant shine. Mozzarella pearls melt slightly for creaminess.

Ingredients & Prep

Salad:

• 1 lb short pasta (bowtie, penne, or mafaldini)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, diced fine
• 1 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan

Balsamic Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente; drain, rinse cold, drain well.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
3. Toss tomatoes and onion with half the dressing; rest 10 minutes.
4. Combine cold pasta, tomato mixture, mozzarella, half the basil, and remaining dressing.
5. Top with Parmesan and remaining basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze if desired.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate 3 days; flavors improve. Don’t freeze.

FAQs

Pasta sticky?
Oil lightly after draining.

Tomatoes watery?
Salt and drain 10 minutes first.

Dressing separate?
Whisk with Dijon emulsifier.

Conclusion

Bruschetta Pasta Salad captures summer Italy bright bowl perfection.

Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

A fresh and vibrant bruschetta pasta salad made with juicy tomatoes, garlic, basil, and tender pasta tossed in a simple balsamic olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or easy lunches.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

• 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
• 2. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• 3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
• 4. Add cooled pasta to the tomato mixture.
• 5. Pour dressing over pasta and toss gently to combine.
• 6. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
• 7. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Use balsamic glaze for a sweeter flavor.
• Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Best served within 1–2 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: bruschetta pasta salad, tomato basil pasta salad, summer pasta salad