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Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipes From Chef

As we gear up for some delightful summer meals, let’s take a moment to think about what goes well with bruschetta pasta salad. This dish shines on its own but is also complemented beautifully by other flavors. Here are a few ideas to consider: Grilled Chicken, Garlic Bread, and Caprese Skewers. Now, let’s dive into creating that delicious bruschetta pasta salad.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounce package of mozzarella pearls
  • 6 cups cooked orecchiette pasta
  • 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar for added depth
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente for the best texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
  1. While the pasta cooks, it’s time to prepare your vegetables. Chop the Roma tomatoes and dice the red onion. Don’t forget to toss in the fresh basil leaves. I recommend stacking the leaves, rolling them, and slicing thinly for those beautiful ribbons.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. With a whisk, blend until smooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in that red wine vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, onions, mozzarella pearls, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold the mixture to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over your pasta mix. Fold everything together until all ingredients are fully coated. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step 6: Chill
  1. Cover your salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • difference. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Customize Your Salad: Embrace the chance to swap in your favorite veggies. Zucchini or sugar snap peas can be great add-ins.
  • Don't Skip Chilling: If time allows, let it chill longer—up to a few hours. This allows those flavors to mingle.
  • Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, a gentle touch is key. Over-mixing can risk breaking the pasta and ruining that delightful texture.
  • Keep It Fresh: If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the salad. This keeps the pasta from becoming soggy over time.