Description
A vibrant and fresh Bruschetta Pasta Salad featuring al dente pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad captures the essence of classic bruschetta flavors in a refreshing pasta form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and allow it to cool slightly before using to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil to build the salad’s fresh bruschetta base.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: Add the slightly cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to mix the ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Add dressing and seasonings: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor enhancement.
- Toss to coat: Mix all components thoroughly until every bite is well-coated with the flavorful dressing and complementary ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a cooler, more melded flavor.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or farfalle to hold the dressing well.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Make the salad ahead of time and chill for deeper flavor development, but add the Parmesan just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference; raw garlic adds pungency but can be intense.
- Add toasted pine nuts or olives for extra texture and flavor variations.
