What is bruschetta pasta salad?

Bruschetta pasta salad is a delightful fusion dish that takes all the classic flavors of Italian bruschetta (tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil) and combines them with pasta to create a hearty, satisfying salad. It's like having your favorite appetizer transformed into a complete meal!

What is in bruschetta salad?

A traditional bruschetta salad typically includes ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and often mozzarella cheese. In this pasta version, we add shallots for extra flavor depth, red wine vinegar for tanginess, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that perfect finishing touch.

What are the five mistakes to avoid with pasta salad?

The biggest mistakes I see are overcooking the pasta (it gets mushy!), not seasoning the base properly, adding delicate ingredients too early, not letting flavors develop, and serving it too cold. Always cook pasta just to al dente, season generously, add fresh herbs at the end, let it marinate, and serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

What are the key ingredients of pasta salad?

Great pasta salad starts with properly cooked pasta, a flavorful acid base (like vinegar or lemon juice), quality olive oil, fresh vegetables, and seasonings. The magic happens when you balance textures and flavors, from creamy elements like cheese to fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables.

Bruschetta Pasta Salad: A Summer Favorite

Description

This vibrant pasta salad captures all the fresh, bright flavors of classic bruschetta in a hearty, satisfying dish. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a zesty marinade, it’s perfect for summer gatherings and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (DeLallo preferred)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups plum tomatoes, chopped (about 4–5 medium tomatoes)
4 ounces mozzarella, chopped or perlini (about 1 cup)
2 cups mezzi rigatoni pasta or bowtie pasta (8 oz dry weight)
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (8–10 minutes). Do not overcook!
Marinate Aromatics: While pasta cooks, mix shallots, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to develop flavor.
Combine: Drain the pasta and allow to cool slightly. Add pasta, chopped tomatoes, and mozzarella to the marinade. Toss gently until well combined.
Fold in Basil: Gently fold in fresh basil without bruising the leaves. Toss one final time.
Finish & Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving and enjoy.

Notes

Cook pasta until just al dente—it will continue to absorb flavor as it sits.
Letting the shallots and garlic marinate in vinegar softens their sharpness and enhances flavor.
For best results, chill the pasta salad for 15–30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Pasta
Method: No-cook (for dressing), Boiling (for pasta)
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 364
Sodium: 165.5mg
Fat: 11.5g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3.5g
Protein: 15.5g