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Fresh Cold Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe Easy and Perfect for Summer

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A light and fresh pasta salad combining classic bruschetta flavors with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a garlicky olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer, served cold and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini
  • 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls or bocconcini, drained and halved if large
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, drain and halve mozzarella balls, and roughly tear fresh basil leaves.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the warm pasta with the dressing while still slightly warm to absorb flavors. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if salad feels dry.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta quickly. Toss pasta with dressing while still warm to absorb flavors better. Tear basil leaves by hand to avoid bruising. Store salad separate from dressing if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: bruschetta pasta salad, cold pasta salad, summer salad, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/fresh-cold-bruschetta-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/