Bruschetta Pasta Salad
All the flavors of bruschetta, like fresh tomatoes and basil, are tossed in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette with pasta. This bruschetta pasta salad is perfect for summer cookouts and festive gatherings. This salad is also a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinners with a burst of color and taste.
Other great pasta salads we enjoy at parties are Mediterranean orzo pasta salad, pepperoni pasta salad, and one of our family favorites, this bacon ranch pasta salad.
Before You Get Started
PASTA WATER: Salting the pasta water is essential because it flavors each noodle, ensuring that the pasta salad tastes its best. It also improves the pasta’s texture.
COOK THE PASTA TO AL DENTE AND RINSE IN COLD WATER: The dressing further softens the salad as it chills. The cold rinse stops the cooking process, removes surface starch, and prevents the noodles from clumping.
RESERVE SOME DRESSING: Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so save some dressing to drizzle on just before serving if not serving right away. This keeps the salad tasting fresh on day two.
How To Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is so easy to make!! As always, the full recipe is in the recipe card below.
STEP 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled. Shake off excess water before adding to the bowl.
***DON’T SKIP THE COLD RINSE! When making hot pasta dishes, rinsing the pasta is not recommended. However, for cold pasta salads, rinsing is crucial. It stops the cooking process, removes sticky starches, and cools the pasta quickly, preparing it for dressing.
STEP 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
***You can also add everything to a jar and shake. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and used on other salads or even as a marinade for chicken.
STEP 3: Combine the Salad
Add the pasta to the bowl with the remaining ingredients, then gently toss to combine. If you aren’t serving right away, reserve 3 tablespoons to toss with the salad just before serving.
Storage
MAKE-AHEAD: You can make the dressing up to 1 week in advance and refrigerate it. You can make the pasta salad WITHOUT the basil 24 hours in advance. Stir in the basil just before serving. Also, be sure to reserve around 3 tablespoons of dressing to toss with the pasta salad just before serving.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The basil will turn dark the longer it sits.
More Favorite Summer Salads
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Tomato Cucumber and Avocado Salad
- Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella
- Easy Greek Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
DID YOU KNOW….
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Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Ingredients
DRESSING:
- ¾ cup (180ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
PASTA SALAD
- 1 pound (454g) small or short pasta
- 3 cups (390g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (8oz) (226g) mozzarella pearls
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (50g) shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1.25oz) (35g) package fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until completely cooled.1 pound (454g) small or short pasta
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard.¾ cup (180ml) olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- Transfer the pasta to the bowl. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, onion, parmesan, garlic, and basil. Toss gently to combine the dressing with the salad ingredients.3 cups (390g) cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 (8oz) (226g) mozzarella pearls, ½ small red onion, thinly sliced, ½ cup (50g) shredded parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 (1.25oz) (35g) package fresh basil
- Serve the salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- NUTRITION FACTS: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
