Description
Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant pasta dish made with juicy marinated cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, mozzarella, toasted sourdough croutons, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This easy summer pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, meal prep, light dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 1/2 lb mafalde corta or bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
- 1 cup toasted sourdough croutons
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Sourdough Croutons:
- 3–4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and allow to cool completely.
- Make the croutons: Tear sourdough into small pieces. Toast in a skillet over medium-low heat with olive oil and salt until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
- In a large pan over low heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Remove from heat and stir in cherry tomatoes, white wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, marinated tomato mixture (including juices), mozzarella pearls, basil, half of the croutons, and grated Parmigiano. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish. Top with remaining croutons, extra Parmigiano, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- Letting the tomatoes marinate is key for maximum flavor.
- Store croutons separately if making ahead to keep them crisp.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- If the salad sits for a while, refresh with a small drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg