Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

A pasta salad is one of the most versatile and flavorful dishes you can make for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a picnic, or looking for a light yet satisfying meal, pasta salad can be a perfect choice. Among the many varieties of pasta salads, the Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a standout because it combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Italian bruschetta with the comforting nature of pasta.

Bruschetta, a classic Italian appetizer, is made with toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. When paired with pasta, this combination becomes a fresh, colorful, and savory dish that is perfect for warm weather or anytime you’re craving something light but full of flavor. This Bruschetta Pasta Salad brings together the taste of fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and the satisfying texture of pasta, all in one bowl.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping

1. Dice the Tomatoes:

   • Start by washing and dicing the tomatoes. You can use Roma tomatoes for their firm texture and low moisture, but feel free to use any tomato variety you prefer. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces (about 1/2-inch in size).

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   • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can remove the seeds from the tomatoes before dicing them, but this is entirely optional.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with the minced garlic and chopped basil. Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to the mixture.

   • Stir everything together gently to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and the optional sugar to taste. The sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, but it’s entirely up to your preference.

   • Let the mixture sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more vibrant and flavorful topping for the pasta salad.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite but cooked through).

   • Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta type.

2. Drain and Rinse:

   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. This is especially important for pasta salad to avoid mushiness.

   • After rinsing, let the pasta drain thoroughly to remove excess water.

3. Toss with Olive Oil:

   • Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat. This prevents the pasta from sticking together and also adds a little extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. Mix the Dressing Ingredients:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. This simple dressing adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor to complement the freshness of the tomatoes and basil in the bruschetta topping.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the ratio of balsamic vinegar to olive oil based on how tangy or mild you want the dressing to be.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad

1. Combine the Pasta and Bruschetta:

   • Add the bruschetta topping (the tomato, basil, and garlic mixture) to the pasta. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the tomato and basil mixture.

   • If you want your pasta salad to be extra saucy, you can add a little more olive oil or balsamic vinegar at this stage.

2. Add the Additional Ingredients:

   • To enhance the flavors of the salad, add the chopped red onion, mozzarella cheese, and black olives (if using). The mozzarella adds a creamy, mild flavor that contrasts beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes, while the black olives add a salty, briny note.

   • Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Dress the Salad:

   • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad. Use a spoon or tongs to toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring that the dressing coats all of the pasta, vegetables, and cheese. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Salad:

   • Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. The fresh basil will add an aromatic and herbal note that complements the rest of the ingredients.

   • You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness and a savory touch.

2. Chill (Optional):

   • For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the pasta salad a refreshing chill. However, it’s also delicious served immediately if you’re in a rush.

3. Serve:

   • Serve the Bruschetta Pasta Salad as a side dish, light lunch, or even as the main course. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

Tips and Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta with a gluten-free variety, such as quinoa pasta, rice pasta, or chickpea pasta. Be sure to check the ingredients for any hidden gluten sources in the dressing as well.

• Vegan Option: For a vegan version of this salad, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free option like vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

• Add Protein: To make the salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. This will turn the pasta salad into a more substantial meal.

• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta topping or the dressing. It will give the salad a pleasant kick.

• Use Heirloom Tomatoes: For a burst of color and flavor, you can mix different varieties of tomatoes, such as heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes add a sweeter and more complex flavor to the dish.

• Swap the Dressing: If you’re not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even white balsamic vinegar for a milder flavor. You can also add a bit of honey to the dressing to balance the acidity.

How to Store Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Bruschetta Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing, so you may need to add a bit more olive oil and balsamic vinegar when serving the leftovers.

Note: If you’re making this ahead of time, it’s best to add the cheese and fresh basil just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. Similarly, if you’re planning to serve this salad over several days, you can store the bruschetta topping separately and add it to the pasta just before serving.

Conclusion

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of Italian cuisine with the comfort of a pasta salad. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or picnic. With its vibrant mix of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and mozzarella, combined with a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad will surely become a favorite. Easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough to accommodate different preferences, the Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a dish that brings a little taste of Italy right to your table.

Yield: 4

Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

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A pasta salad is one of the most versatile and flavorful dishes you can make for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a picnic, or looking for a light yet satisfying meal, pasta salad can be a perfect choice. Among the many varieties of pasta salads, the Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a standout because it combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Italian bruschetta with the comforting nature of pasta.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta Salad:
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work great)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella balls (optional, can be replaced with crumbled feta)
• For the Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously.
   Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Veggies:
   In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped basil.
   Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies.
   
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   
4. Assemble the Salad:
   Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
   Add balsamic glaze (or vinegar) and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss again.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Add Cheese:
   Gently stir in fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta for added creaminess.
   
6. Chill and Serve:
   For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also serve it immediately if you're in a hurry.

Notes

Pasta Options: You can use any type of pasta, such as bowtie or farfalle, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta for a variation.

Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add fresh basil right before serving to keep it vibrant.

Add-Ins: For extra flavor, you can add olives, roasted red peppers, or even grilled chicken if you want to make it more hearty.

Balsamic Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter taste, use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar.