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–+ servings
Bruschetta Pasta Salad 1

Bruschetta Pasta Salad

This delightful dish combines classic bruschetta flavors with pasta to create a fresh and light summer salad that's perfect for easy meals or serving at gatherings. The vibrant marriage of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta offers a solution to the eternal question: how can I create something both effortless and extraordinary?
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Base

  • 8 oz short pasta rotini, bowties, or penne
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls optional

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). For the perfect texture, aim for pasta that's tender but still has a slight bite.
  • While the pasta cooks, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This cooling step preserves the pasta's texture and prevents it from absorbing too much dressing too quickly.
  • Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until all components are evenly coated.
  • Gently fold in the fresh basil and mozzarella pearls (if using). For maximum visual appeal and flavor distribution, save a small portion of the basil for garnishing the top just before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest for 15-30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
You can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance, but consider adding the basil and cheese just before serving for optimal freshness.
For a complete meal, add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 145mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword Pasta Salad, Bruschetta, Summer Recipe, Fresh Tomato Pasta, Italian Salad
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