Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the flavors of traditional bruschetta into pasta salad form! This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, offering a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients!
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The Best Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe
If there is anything better than traditional bruschetta, is had to be this bruschetta pasta! This is the epitome of a refreshing summertime recipe that you are going to want to bring to every barbecue and cookout!
This pasta salad has all the components of a typical bruschetta including juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a high quality balsamic vinegar reduction. We bring in some elements of a caprese salad with some mini mozzarella balls, too!
This bruschetta pasta salad recipe is easy to throw together with easy to find ingredients. It is the perfect recipe to switch up your normal pasta salad!
Ingredients Needed
- Cooked Pasta: I love to use farfalle pasta in pasta salads, but you can use your favorite short pasta shape! Some pasta shapes that would work nicely are macaroni elbows, ditalini, or cavatappi!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of tangy, fresh flavor! Alternatively, you can dice up some roma or heirloom tomatoes instead.
- Mozzarella Balls: Pearl mozzarella balls are perfect here. They add a creamy flavor and texture!
- Basil: The secret to a super flavorful bruschetta pasta salad is to add loads of fresh basil!
- Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a lovely crunch! If you are sensitive to onion, you can add shallots for a lighter flavor.
- Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle the finished pasta salad with a high quality balsamic reduction for added depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds some extra flavor, but can be omitted if you want!
- Dressing: To dress the bruschetta pasta salad, use olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning! I like to use a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor!
How to Make bruschetta pasta salad
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the Salad: Add all of the ingredients except for the parmesan cheese and balsamic reduction to a large bowl. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- For a gluten-free bruschetta pasta salad, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free or chickpea pasta!
- If you can’t find mini mozzarella balls, you can get a fresh mozzarella log or large ball instead! Just dice it up into smaller bites and add it to the pasta salad.
- Serve this bruschetta pasta salad with all of your barbecue favorites like barbecue ribs or grilled chicken along with grilled sweet potato wedges or parmesan crusted potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bruschetta?
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer that is made with slices of bread that are topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
What is the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic reduction?
Balsamic vinegar and a balsamic reduction are quite similar, however, a balsamic reduction is balsamic vinegar that has been simmered down and reduced to become highly flavorful and syrupy.
How long does this keep for?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days! This is a great make ahead recipe, but I recommend drizzling it with the balsamic reduction and parmesan cheese prior to serving!
More Summertime REcipes to Try
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 heaping cup basil, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- balsamic reduction, for drizzling
- grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
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