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Ultimate Bruschetta Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Summer Side Dish

Transform classic Italian bruschetta flavors into the ultimate pasta salad that's perfect for warm weather gatherings. This vibrant dish combines juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella with tender pasta, creating a refreshing side that's been a crowd-pleaser at countless summer events.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 315
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the bruschetta mixture: While the pasta cooks, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped basil in a large mixing bowl. Season with a pinch of salt to help draw out the tomato juices.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  4. Combine everything: Add the cooled pasta and mozzarella to the tomato mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Final touches: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

This pasta salad actually improves with time! Prepare it up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. The flavors develop beautifully overnight. Choose pasta shapes with texture and grooves like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle for better dressing retention.