Bruschetta Pasta Salad

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad is basically summer in a bowl. It's got all the fresh, garlicky goodness of classic bruschetta-think juicy tomatoes, basil, and a hit of balsamic-tossed with pasta to make it a little heartier. It's perfect for cookouts, picnics, or when you just want something fresh and satisfying without a ton of effort.

Classic bruschetta toppings such as creamy mozzarella cheese, tender artichoke hearts, sweet basil, juicy tomatoes, and of course, earthy garlic, are tossed together with bow tie pasta in a tangy sweetness of balsamic vinaigrette dressing, making this the perfect summer pasta salad recipe.  

If you're as big a fan of classic Italian flavors as we are, you have to try our Zesty Italian Pasta. And if you like that, you'll love our Baked Ravioli.

Ingredients

• Bow Tie Pasta: This fun shaped pasta is also called farfalle. Its shape and size make it easier for small ingredients, such as those in this salad, to stick to the pasta. That's what makes it such a great choice for pasta salads. However, you can use any small, short pasta for this salad. 
• Artichoke Hearts: The heart is the more tender, inner part of the artichoke with a mild, earthy flavor. You can substitute artichoke hearts for hearts of palm, which have a similar flavor and texture. 
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, provides a mild, slightly nutty taste. For the freshest flavor, buy a block of Parmesan and shred it yourself. Of course, it is perfectly okay if you prefer to buy it already shredded. You can use Pecorino Romano instead for a saltier, sharper flavor profile. 
• Garlic: What is an Italian dish without garlic? It's sharp, earthy flavor adds complexity to any dish. It's added to both the salad and dressing. Use less or more depending on your preference. 
• Purple Onion: Purple onion is a classic choice for salads, providing zest and crunch. To mellow out the flavor a little, soak the diced onion in cool water for about five minutes. 
• Mini Mozzarella Cheese Balls: Also known as Bocconcini, these tiny balls of mozzarella add a cool, creamy taste to the pasta salad. You can also use pearls, which are even smaller in size. You'll find either type of mozzarella in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. 
• Fresh Basil: Genovese basil, or sweet basil, is the classic Italian herb that is commonly used in pesto and Caprese salad, giving the salad a fresher flavor. Do not swap for dried basil in this salad as the results will not be the same. 
• Cherry Tomatoes: Stick with all red or go for a color variety with red, yellow, and orange. If you don't have cherry tomatoes, dice tomatoes on the vine or grape tomatoes will also lend a juicy burst of flavor to the salad. 
• Balsamic Vinegar and Honey: The thick texture and tangy taste of balsamic vinegar add the sought-after umami taste to this dressing, while the honey is a natural sweetener that balances the more tart and tangy flavors of the dressing. 
• Dijon Mustard: This "fancy" mustard got its name from Dijon, France. It acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar while lending a sharp, tangy taste to the dressing. 
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is peppery and buttery, making it a go-to for adding to salad dressings.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free: This bruschetta salad can easily be made gluten-free by switching out the bow tie pasta for the gluten-free version of your favorite short pasta. You could even substitute a gluten-free grain such as quinoa. 
• Add a Little Spice: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your salad dressing or as a garnish on the salad to add a little heat. 
• Add Meats: Make it a bruschetta chicken pasta salad by adding grilled chicken. Or, you could add salami, pepperoni, or a combination of both!
• Load up on Vegetables: For even more vegetables, try adding black olives, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers that also add more color and extra flavor. 

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad

Not only is this summer pasta recipe quick to make, but it also doesn't require much prep. Simply gather your vegetables, knife, and cutting board, and set a large bowl or salad bowl aside. Have plastic wrap handy for chilling the salad. 

1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta. Cook the pasta in a large pot with salted water. Adding salt gives a little extra flavor to the pasta. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, drain it, and rinse it in cold water.  

2. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables. Slice and dice the basil, onion and artichoke hearts. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. 

3. Step 3: Make the Dressing. Whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, seasonings, and olive oil in a bowl or shake them together in a salad dressing jar. 

4. Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Salad. Combine the pasta, vegetables, and salad dressing in a salad bowl. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for an hour. Enjoy your pasta summer salad! 

Serving Suggestions

Make this bruschetta pasta salad with mozzarella for a potluck, or bring it as a side dish to a barbecue. It also makes a great lunch, fresh or leftover. And it's a light, refreshing dinner on a warm summer night.

• For a bigger meal, pair it with our easy skillet chicken thighs, brown sugar honey glazed carrots, and garlic knots. 
• Serve it for Sunday lunch along with a delicious baked ham with brown sugar glaze, strawberry pecan salad, and homemade dinner rolls.  
• You could also pair this salad with grilled chicken wraps for an easy lunch, picnic, or light summer dinner.

More Summer Salad Recipes