Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I was tossing fresh ingredients into a bowl, a heavenly aroma of basil and garlic filled the air, transporting me straight to the charming streets of Italy. That’s the magic of my Bruschetta Pasta Salad—a dish that turns any meal into a delicious celebration. With its juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mini mozzarella balls, this vegetarian delight is not only easy to whip up in just over 30 minutes but also perfect for warm weather gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. You’ll love how it balances vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch from the optional toasted breadcrumbs, making it a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, potlucks, or even your next cozy meal at home. Ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? Let’s dive into this fresh and healthy pasta salad recipe! Why is this pasta salad irresistible? Bursting with flavor, this Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare, it takes just over 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Versatile options mean it’s accommodating to various diets, with gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions available. Colorful and appealing, it’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate. Pair it with Cucumber Shrimp Salad for a delightful meal or serve as a refreshing side to grilled chicken or salmon. Bruschetta Pasta Salad Ingredients For the Pasta • Small Pasta Shape – Use your favorite small-shaped pasta for a sturdy base; opt for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. For the Salad • Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes bring freshness; vine-ripened offers the best flavor. • Garlic – Minced to infuse the salad with aromatic goodness; feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover. • Shallot – Adds a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. • Mini Bocconcini (Mozzarella Balls) – Creamy and luscious; swap for Parmigiano-Reggiano or omit for dairy-free. • Fresh Basil Leaves – Aromatic and fragrant, fresh basil elevates the dish with its distinctive flavor. For the Dressing • Olive Oil – Foundation of the dressing, adding richness and smoothness to the salad. • Red Wine Vinegar – Provides a tangy acidity that perfectly balances the flavors. • Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the delicious ingredients. Optional Crunch • Sourdough Bread (Breadcrumbs) – Adds delightful crunch and depth of flavor; use gluten-free bread if needed or omit for a lighter salad. • Garlic Powder (optional) – For those who can’t get enough of garlic, this adds an extra layer of flavor to the breadcrumbs. Enjoy making this Bruschetta Pasta Salad, and let the delightful taste bring joy to your table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bruschetta Pasta Salad Step 1: Cook Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your choice of small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool slightly while you prep the other ingredients. Step 2: Prep Salad Ingredients In a spacious mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and halved mini mozzarella balls. Drizzle in olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the ingredients together until everything is well-coated, and allow the mix to sit for about 10 minutes—this lets the flavors meld beautifully. Step 3: Make Breadcrumbs (Optional) If you’d like to enhance your Bruschetta Pasta Salad with a crunchy topping, prepare your breadcrumbs. Begin by toasting slices of sourdough bread in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cool, break into pieces and pulse them into crumbs in a food processor. Then sauté them in a skillet with olive oil and optional garlic powder until crispy, about 5 minutes. Step 4: Combine All Ingredients Gently fold the cooled pasta into the salad mixture. If using, sprinkle the prepared breadcrumbs over the top and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar for balance. The Bruschetta Pasta Salad is now ready to serve, showcasing vibrant colors and fresh aromas. Storage Tips for Bruschetta Pasta Salad Room Temperature: This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, enhancing the taste of the bruschetta pasta salad. Freezer: Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and cheese may change. It’s best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Reheating: If desired, gently warm in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but note that it’s delightful served cold or at room temperature. Make Ahead Options These Bruschetta Pasta Salad components can be prepped in advance, making your meal planning as seamless as possible! You can chop the cherry tomatoes, shallot, and basil, and combine them with the minced garlic up to 24 hours ahead; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container. For the best quality, store the breadcrumbs separately to keep them crispy; they can be made a day in advance as well. When you’re ready to serve, cook your pasta (which can also be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated) and combine everything in a bowl with the dressing. Toss gently, and you’ll enjoy a fresh and flavorful pasta salad that tastes just as delicious as if it were made that day! Bruschetta Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to play around with this Bruschetta Pasta Salad to make it uniquely yours! Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Dairy-Free: Omit the mini mozzarella or swap with dairy-free cheese for a lighter, yet still creamy, option. Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley or oregano for an aromatic twist that complements the basil beautifully. Roasted Veggies: Toss in some grilled zucchini or roasted bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to elevate the texture and add a delightful crunch. Spicy Kick: Drizzle with a touch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who love a bit of heat. Savory Twist: Incorporate diced olives or capers for a briny flavor that enhances the salad’s taste profile. Make it a Meal: Transform this side dish into a hearty main by adding protein-rich chickpeas or grilled chicken for an all-in-one delight. Don’t forget to share this pasta salad alongside a fresh Radish Salad to get your meal off to a refreshing start or pair it with a lovely Smashed Potato Salad for a filling feast! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine. What to Serve with Bruschetta Pasta Salad This delightful dish sets the stage for a vibrant meal filled with fresh flavors that will transport your taste buds to Italy. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, marinated chicken complements the salad’s freshness, creating a satisfying balance of protein and vibrant veggies. Caprese Skewers: These bite-sized treats amplify the salad’s flavors with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, perfect for sharing at gatherings. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, garlic bread adds a comforting touch that echoes the garlic in your pasta salad, making it a cozy addition. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty contrast, lending a warm and earthy element to your colorful meal. Garden Salad: A light and refreshing side salad enhances the dish’s healthy vibe, offering crunch and freshness to every bite. Sangria: This fruity drink brightens the meal, its sweet and tangy notes playing beautifully off the flavors of the salad. Lemon Sorbet: As a light dessert option, the citrus pop of sorbet cleanses the palate and refreshes after your delicious meal. Pesto Bruschetta: Enhance the bruschetta theme with warm, toasted bread topped with herbaceous pesto for a lovely, savory snack that echoes your salad flavors. Expert Tips for Bruschetta Pasta Salad Choose Your Pasta: Select a small pasta shape, like bowties or penne, for the best texture. If gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free pasta. Tomato Selection: Use vine-ripened cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness. Avoid overripe tomatoes to prevent a mushy salad. Garlic Matters: Mince the garlic finely for even distribution. Be careful not to overpower the dish; start with less and adjust to taste. Perfectly Toasted Breadcrumbs: If making breadcrumbs, cool them completely before mixing in to maintain the crunch. Store separately to avoid sogginess. Freshness is Key: Toss the salad ingredients and let them sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors develop while maintaining the vibrancy of the bruschetta pasta salad. Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best cherry tomatoes for this pasta salad? Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for vine-ripened cherry tomatoes. Look for ones that are bright, firm, and have a deep color without any dark spots or blemishes. The sweeter the tomato, the better your Bruschetta Pasta Salad will taste! What is the best way to store leftovers of Bruschetta Pasta Salad? After enjoying your salad, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the flavors will continue to meld, which often enhances the taste! Can I freeze Bruschetta Pasta Salad? It’s best not to freeze this salad as the texture of the pasta and cheese may suffer once thawed. Instead, prepare it fresh! If you have components like pasta or breadcrumbs, you could freeze those separately. To freeze breadcrumbs, store them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; just re-toast them when you’re ready to use! What if I have a garlic allergy? No worries! You can simply omit the garlic from the recipe and replace it with a hint of lemon juice or a touch of mustard for extra flavor. It’s all about balancing flavors, and your Bruschetta Pasta Salad will still shine without garlic! How can I make this pasta salad dairy-free? Very! Just omit the mini bocconcini, or replace them with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be a great option for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You’re still left with a delicious and creamy-tasting salad! My pasta feels mushy—what did I do wrong? That’s a common concern! To avoid mushy pasta, ensure you’re cooking it to al dente, where it retains a slight bite, usually about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. If it was overcooked, the texture may not hold up well in the salad. Next time, keep an eye on the clock! Bruschetta Pasta Salad: A Fresh Take on Classic Flavor No ratings yet Enjoy this Bruschetta Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings vibrant flavors to your meals. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsFlavor Resting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: ItalianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta2 cups small pasta shape choose gluten-free for gluten-free versionFor the Salad2 cups cherry tomatoes halved, vine-ripened preferred2 cloves garlic minced1 medium shallot finely chopped1 cup mini bocconcini or omit for dairy-free1 cup fresh basil leaves torn into piecesFor the Dressing1/4 cup olive oil2 tablespoons red wine vinegarto taste saltto taste pepperOptional Crunch1 cup sourdough bread to make breadcrumbs1 teaspoon garlic powder optional Equipment PotcolanderMixing BowlSkilletFood Processor Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCook pasta by bringing salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool.In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, shallot, and mozzarella. Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes.For optional breadcrumbs, toast sourdough in a skillet until golden, cool, then pulse into crumbs. Sauté in olive oil and garlic powder until crispy.Fold cooked pasta into the salad, sprinkle breadcrumbs if using, and toss everything together. Adjust seasoning and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 1mg NotesThis salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
