Description
Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all brought together with a bright and tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, this easy-to-make salad offers a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini, bowtie, or penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Drain and cool pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Combine vegetables and cheese: In a large bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, diced red onion, fresh mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
- Toss pasta with vegetables: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomato mixture and stir to combine evenly.
- Add dressing and mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, gently toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan for a beautiful, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best bruschetta-style flavor in the salad.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, reserve a small amount of dressing to refresh it just before serving.
- For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for additional protein.
- To make this recipe vegan, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan, and substitute honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
- Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta, Side Dish, Summer Recipes
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean-Inspired
