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delicious-bruschetta-pasta-salad---walder-wellness--rd_feature

Delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Salad

This bruschetta pasta salad combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Italian bruschetta with the satisfying texture of pasta. It's the perfect dish for warm weather entertaining, meal prep, or a quick weeknight meal featuring fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tangy balsamic dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
  • Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, diced red onion, and minced garlic.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. If using mozzarella pearls and pine nuts, add them now.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Use pasta shapes with ridges or hollow centers like fusilli, penne, or farfalle, which hold the dressing and toppings well. Cherry or grape tomatoes work best as they release less liquid than larger tomatoes.