Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Bruschetta Pasta Salad combining tender orecchiette pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic olive oil dressing. This easy, no-cook-after-boiling salad captures the flavors of traditional bruschetta in a satisfying pasta dish perfect for summer meals or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Components
- 1 lb. orecchiette pasta
- 1 pt. cherry tomatoes, preferably multi-colored, halved
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup torn fresh basil, for garnish
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar until fully combined. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, minced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the torn fresh basil over the tossed salad just before serving to add a fresh herbal aroma and flavor. Serve immediately or chill briefly to enjoy a refreshing cold pasta salad.
Notes
- Use multi-colored cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation and varied flavor.
- To enhance garlic flavor, you can lightly sauté the garlic before adding it, although the recipe works well raw.
- This pasta salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
- Consider adding mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella for a richer bruschetta-inspired salad.
- Adjust salt and vinegar levels to your preferred tanginess and seasoning.
Keywords: Bruschetta, Pasta Salad, Orecchiette, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Italian Salad, Summer Salad, Vegetarian
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/bruschetta-pasta-salad-recipe/
