Description
Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant summer dish that combines tender pasta with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a zesty balsamic dressing. Inspired by classic Italian bruschetta, this easy recipe is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Bruschetta Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Balsamic glaze
- Extra fresh basil
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together: Pour the bruschetta dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
For the freshest flavor, add the basil just before serving. This salad tastes even better after chilling, allowing the tomatoes and dressing to infuse the pasta with delicious Italian flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bruschetta pasta salad, italian pasta salad, tomato basil pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy picnic recipe