A Novel & Tasty Take on a Traditional Bruschetta Pasta Salad

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad is the ideal recipe for you if you enjoy the comforting heartiness of pasta and the bright, fresh flavours of bruschetta. This recipe is a bright, refreshing salad that can be served as a side dish, light lunch, or even a meal prep option. It combines juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, garlic, balsamic glaze, and al dente pasta.

It’s simple, quick, and full of Mediterranean flavours, so it’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and warm-weather events. Additionally, it is customisable; you can personalise it by adding grilled chicken, prawns, or even fresh mozzarella.

The Reasons Bruschetta Pasta Salad Will Win Your Heart

✔ Delicious & Tasty – An ideal harmony of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze.”
It requires little preparation and is ready in 20 minutes.
Serve it as a side, light supper, or picnic dish. It’s ideal for any occasion.
Customisable – To vary it, add cheese (feta, mozzarella) or protein (shrimp, chicken).
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Refrigerating for a few hours intensifies the flavours.

Bruschetta Pasta Salad – Recipe Card

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

For the Dressing:

For Garnish:

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
2️⃣ Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
3️⃣ Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture

4️⃣ In a large bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, basil, red onion, and garlic.
5️⃣ Add the mozzarella pearls and gently stir.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

6️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

7️⃣ Add the cooled pasta to the bruschetta mixture.
8️⃣ Pour the dressing over and toss well.
9️⃣ Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mix.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

🔟 Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
1️⃣1️⃣ Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately or chill for 1–2 hours for best flavor.

Storage & Serving Tips

Enjoy this Bruschetta Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish or light meal! 🍅🌿🍽

Needed Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad: – 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie) – 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half – ½ cup fresh basil, chopped – ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped – 2 minced cloves garlic – ½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella) – ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil is needed for the dressing.

Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
You can add one teaspoon of honey for balance.
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning – half a teaspoon of salt – half a teaspoon of black pepper – half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (For heat, optional)

To garnish, use two tablespoons of balsamic glaze Extra fresh basil leaves (to drizzle)

Detailed Directions

First Step: Prepare the Pasta

A big pot of salted water should be brought to a boil.
2️⃣ Add pasta and cook as directed on the package until al dente.
3️⃣ To stop the pasta from cooking, drain and rinse it under cold water.
4️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil to keep from sticking.

Make the Bruschetta Mixture in Step Two

5️⃣ Put the garlic, red onion, basil, and halved cherry tomatoes in a big bowl.
6️⃣ Gently stir in the mozzarella pearls.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

7️⃣ Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Step 4: Put the salad together

8️⃣ Pour the bruschetta mixture into the bowl and add the chilled spaghetti.
9️⃣ Drizzle the salad with the dressing and gently toss to coat.
🔟 Add Parmesan cheese and stir once more.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve 1️⃣1️⃣ Before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Add extra fresh basil leaves as a garnish.

🍽 For maximum flavour, chill for 1–2 hours or serve immediately.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

🥗 Side Dish: Accompany with grilled steak, chicken, or seafood. 🥖 With Bread: Savour with toasted baguette slices or crusty garlic bread. 🍷 Wine Pairing: Goes nicely with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

FAQs, or frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare this salad of bruschetta pasta in advance?

Indeed! As the flavours combine, this spaghetti salad actually tastes better after a few hours. Simply keep it in the refrigerator in a airtight container and toss it before serving.

2. Which pasta shape works best for this salad?

Because it retains the dressing and ingredients effectively, short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle (bowtie), works well.

3. Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free?

Sure! Just make sure your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free and use gluten-free pasta.

4. How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

For a heartier supper, you can add: Grilled chicken or prawns.

For a vegetarian protein boost, try using white beans or chickpeas.
Crispy prosciutto for added texture and flavour.

5. What is the shelf life of bruschetta pasta salad?

When stored in an airtight container, it remains fresh for up to 3 days. However, consume it within 24 hours for the best texture.

Concluding Reflections

Perfect for any occasion, this bruschetta pasta salad is the ultimate fresh, lively, and easy-to-make dish. It offers an enticing combination of tomato sweetness, basil freshness, and tangy balsamic glaze that will have you going back for more, whether you serve it warm or chilled.

✨ Try this recipe and share your modifications with me! ✨