Bruschetta Pasta Salad
I made this Bruschetta Pasta Salad with summer tomatoes from the farmer’s market and invited my friends and family over to try it. They all loved it and thought it was so good! I served it with grilled chicken, and it was a perfect meal for easy entertaining. For more pasta salad recipes, try my Italian Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, and Macaroni Salad.
How to Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad
To make this simple bruschetta pasta salad, just boil the pasta and chop the ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card for the complete instructions. DeLallo pasta comes from the birthplace of pasta, a region just south of Naples in the Campania region. It is produced in one of the oldest pastaficios (i.e., pasta factory) in Italy, which dates back to 1795. If you’ve never tried it, pick up a bag next time you’re at the store. I promise you won’t regret it!
Party Worthy: I’ve tested this dish on my nearest and dearest, and it was a hit! Make it the next time you host a party or are asked to bring something to one. Make Ahead: I give some tips below on how to prep this salad in advance so you can have it ready to go before your guests arrive. Dietary Restrictions: This healthy pasta salad is suitable for many different diets, including vegetarian, gluten-free (if made with GF pasta), and Weight Watchers-friendly.
If you make this Italian bruschetta pasta salad recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook!
Below is everything you need to make this summer pasta salad. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Aromatics: Shallot and garlic infuse the pasta salad with a rich, savory flavor that complements the fresh tomatoes and basil. Pasta Salad Dressing: Red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper create a simple Italian vinaigrette. Tomatoes: I used plum tomatoes for the bruschetta topping. Mozzarella: Chop a ball of fresh mozzarella into small pieces or use perlini, the smallest size of mozzarella (about the size of pearls). Pasta: When I cook pasta, I always use DeLallo. For this pasta salad recipe, I went with their Mezzi Rigatoni. Basil: No bruschetta is complete without fresh basil. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the final dish before serving. You can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it’s reduced by half, or buy it from the store. DeLallo’s balsamic glaze is great!
Variations
Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes would also work. Vinegar: Swap red wine vinegar with white wine or white balsamic vinegar. Pasta: Use any pasta shape with a hole or nook to catch the tomatoes. I used Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta here. Tortiglioni, orecchiette, or full-size rigatoni are other good options. Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta. Cheese: Any fresh mozzarella will work, but avoid pre-shredded. Bocconcini and ciliegine are other small sizes of fresh mozzarella. Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese.
What to Serve with Bruschetta Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad makes a fantastic vegetarian main dish. You can also serve smaller portions as a side with grilled meat.
Grill a Protein: Pair the pasta with grilled salmon, chicken, or steak. Add a Salad: If you’re serving it as a vegetarian main and want an extra side, make a quick arugula or Italian salad. Make It a Meal: Add chopped chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a complete meal.
Meal Prep
This pasta dish is great prepared a day in advance, but there are a couple of ways to make it last.
Cook the pasta even less than al dente, as the tomato mixture will saturate it too much if the tomatoes and pasta are combined early. Alternatively, you can make the bruschetta part a day in advance and mix it with the pasta before serving.
Storage
This bruschetta pasta salad will last for about 3 days. Eat it cold or at room temperature.
More Bruschetta Recipes You’ll Love
Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Two Tomato Bruschetta Naked Turkey Bruschetta Burger Grilled Salmon Bruschetta with Avocado
This post is sponsored by Delallo. I only share brands I love and use in my kitchen.
