Whip up a taste of summer with this refreshing Bruschetta Pasta Salad. It’s an easy and flavorful dish, perfect for BBQs, and potlucks. It combines all the delicious bruschetta topping flavors with crunchy homemade croutons and tender pasta. Finished off with grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of ground black pepper!
Who said pasta salads have to be boring? Let’s take it up a notch with this easy, refreshing, and utterly delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad. This recipe brings together the best of two worlds: the vibrant, fresh flavors of classic bruschetta and the satisfying comfort of pasta, all tossed in a tangy extra virgin olive oil dressing.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delightful taste but also in its simplicity. It’s a brilliant dish to serve up for a family gathering, a picnic, or a light weekday dinner. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t your ordinary pasta salad; it’s a refreshing, vibrant, and flavorsome dish that will surely become a new favorite. Here’s why:
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh Roma tomatoes, basil, and green onions lend a vibrant freshness to the dish.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for those new to cooking or those short on time.
- Versatile: Serve it as a light main course, a side dish, or a contribution to a potluck; this salad is versatile enough for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Pasta: Any short type of pasta is ideal for pasta salads, I used fusilli as its spirals trap the dressing, carrying flavor in every bite.
- Roma Tomatoes: They provide a juicy freshness and form the heart of the bruschetta topping.
- Fresh Basil & Green Onions: These aromatic herbs add a dash of color and loads of flavor. You can add other herbs if desired such as chives or flat-leaf parsley.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is key for dressing the salad. A good quality oil will make a difference in taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful savory note to the salad. Always buy your own wedge of parmesan and grate it yourself, it tastes much better than the pre-shredded stuff.
- Homemade Croutons: Just like a classic bruschetta, this salad needs a nice crunch and a bready flavor. I will show you how to make your own homemade croutons using your favorite bread.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Homemade Croutons
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F/190°C.
- Cut Bread: Take around 4 slices of stale bread and cut them into cubes. Any type of bread will work, but French or Italian bread give the best results.
- Season: Toss the bread cubes in a mixture of olive oil, and garlic powder. You can also add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or dried herbs if you wish.
- Bake: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Remember, homemade croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, so you can make them in advance for this salad or any other dish that needs a bit of extra crunch.
How To Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta: This is done according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to rinse under cold water after draining to cool down the pasta and stop further cooking.
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping: While the pasta cooks, use this time to chop up your tomatoes, basil, and onions. Combine these with minced garlic and olive oil to create a juicy and flavorful bruschetta mixture.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine the cooled pasta with the bruschetta topping, extra green onions, and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together with the remaining olive oil.
- Top with Croutons: To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle over your homemade croutons just before serving.
Tips For Making The Best Pasta Salad
- Rinse Pasta: After cooking the pasta, ensure to rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta al dente. I normally don’t recommend rinsing the pasta if we need the starch, but in a recipe like this, it’s ok to rinse the pasta.
- Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a prominent part of the dressing, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil for this recipe, as it gives the salad a vibrant flavor and aroma. I don’t recommend substituting fresh with dried basil.
- Add Croutons Just Before Serving: To keep the croutons crunchy, add them just before serving the salad.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely, preparing this salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to add the croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
Feel free to experiment with other types of pasta. Penne, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or rotini are all good options. Just avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
Of course! Some chopped black olives, diced mozzarella, or a sprinkle of chili flakes could add an interesting twist to the dish.
What To Serve With
This Bruschetta Pasta Salad is perfect for occasions like BBQs, potlucks, Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, or just a casual summer cooking session in your backyard. Its vibrant flavors and light texture make it an excellent companion to many dishes.
If you’re looking for more delicious pasta salads, I highly recommend giving my Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad a try. It’s another delicious summer dish that adds a vibrant touch to any meal.
For a more substantial main, these dishes would pair so well with this salad:
- Grilled Halloumi: The salty and savory flavor of this grilled cheese perfectly complements the fresh and vibrant flavors of the pasta salad.
- Veggie Kabobs: If you’re keeping things vegetarian, these kabobs are a tasty and colorful option.
- Grilled Chicken Tenders: For those who prefer a bit of meat, these grilled chicken tenders are a great match for the light pasta salad.
To wrap up your meal on a sweet note, try these delicious desserts:
- Watermelon Cupcakes: These cupcakes are not only cute but also refreshing, making them a perfect summer dessert.
- Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake: This cheesecake brings a nostalgic sweetness that will surely put a smile on your face.
I can’t wait for you to try this Bruschetta Pasta Salad. It’s a dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors in a way that’s both delightful and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine.
Please don’t forget to rate and review the recipe in the comments section below. Your feedback means a lot to me and helps other readers as well. Enjoy this taste of summer, and happy cooking!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta I used fusilli
- 4 medium tomatoes chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- ½ cup green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups croutons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse and drain again, set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, green onions, and half of the parmesan cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Just before serving, add the homemade croutons and give the salad a final toss.
- The salad can be served immediately, or refrigerated for a couple hours to allow the flavors to meld further.
Notes
- Rinse Pasta: After cooking the pasta, ensure to rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps your pasta al dente. I normally don’t recommend rinsing the pasta if we need the starch, but in a recipe like this, it’s ok to rinse the pasta.
- Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a prominent part of the dressing, choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil for this recipe, as it gives the salad a vibrant flavor and aroma. I don’t recommend substituting fresh with dried basil.
- Add Croutons Just Before Serving: To keep the croutons crunchy, add them just before serving the salad.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest @nourishplate and on Instagram @nourishplate
Leave a Review!