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Colorful Summer Bruschetta Pasta Salad made with fresh ingredients.

Bruschetta Summer Pasta Salad

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad embodying the essence of summer, featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and a rich balsamic dressing.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 500 g 500g/1 lb penne or ziti Hearty foundation of this salad.
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt For boiling the pasta.
Vegetables
  • 1000 g 1 kg / 2 lb tomatoes, chopped Chop into 1.25 cm / 1/2” pieces.
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt To season tomatoes before mixing.
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup tightly packed basil leaves, finely sliced Adds fresh aroma.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Contributes smoothness and depth.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar Enhances salad with sweet and tangy essence.
  • 2 cloves 2 garlic cloves, minced Provides aromatic kick.
  • 3/4 tsp 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt To balance the dish.
  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper For gentle heat.
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted Adds delightful crunch.
  • to taste Balsamic glaze For drizzling before serving.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil, adding 2 teaspoons of salt. Add your 500g of penne or ziti and cook according to package instructions plus 2 additional minutes until softened. Drain and return to pot to cool.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. In a jar, combine 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Shake well or whisk until combined.
Flavor the Pasta
  1. Once cooled for about 15 minutes, pour 2/3 of the dressing over the pasta, stirring to coat.
Bruschetta Preparation
  1. In a bowl, place chopped tomatoes and drizzle with remaining dressing, tossing gently. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour juices from tomatoes into pasta. Add 1/2 tsp salt to seasoned tomatoes and mix before adding to pasta. Fold in finely sliced basil leaves and shredded parmesan.
Serving
  1. Transfer the salad to a large bowl, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, allow the salad to sit in the fridge for an hour before serving. Substitute balsamic vinegar with sweet balsamic reduction if desired.