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Delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad: The Perfect Summer Salad Recipe

This bruschetta pasta salad combines everything you love about classic Italian bruschetta with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. It's the ultimate summer salad that's perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep with fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta (farfalle, penne, or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil. If using mozzarella pearls, have them ready.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, and mozzarella (if using). Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day!

Notes

Short pasta shapes with ridges (like penne or rotini) work best as they hold the dressing and other ingredients well. Use ripe, seasonal cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. This salad is perfect for meal prep and actually improves as it sits - flavors develop beautifully overnight in the refrigerator.