If you are craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes all the bright, classic flavors of bruschetta—the juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella—and tosses them with tender orecchiette pasta for a salad that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. The addition of parmesan and a simple yet tangy dressing makes every bite burst with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or just want a quick and tasty meal, this salad brings together simplicity and freshness in the best possible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of several ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there is a metal colander full of small, round, pale yellow pasta. Above it, a small wooden cutting board holds two halves of a red onion and a white ceramic spoon with a light beige powder. To the left of the colander are small glass bowls with chopped red tomatoes, fresh green basil leaves, and small white mozzarella balls. Further up, there is a small metal cup filled with shredded cheese, a glass bottle of golden olive oil, a wooden bowl of mixed peppercorns with a tiny wooden scoop, and another wooden bowl of salt with a matching scoop. Two small white bowls hold yellow and clear liquids. The scene is bright and clean, with natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe plays a key role in creating a medley of flavors and textures that feel effortlessly balanced. From the tender pasta that carries the dish to the fresh produce and gooey cheese, each element is essential to making this salad a standout.

6 cups cooked orecchiette pasta: The perfect pasta shape—small and cup-like—ready to hold all those flavorful bites.
4 Roma tomatoes (diced): Juicy and slightly sweet, they bring freshness and vibrant color to the salad.
1 small red onion (diced): Adds a sharp, pungent crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
½ cup fresh basil (chopped): Aromatic and herbaceous, basil is the signature herb that brightens the dish.
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, parmesan adds depth and umami.
8 ounce package mozzarella pearls: Creamy and mild, these small cheese balls melt slightly into the salad’s ensemble.
3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil): Provides a smooth, rich base for the dressing.
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts just the right amount of savory warmth without overpowering.
Salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions. The goal is to have about 6 cups of cooked pasta ready for the salad. Once it’s cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help the pasta cool down quickly. This step is important because it ensures the pasta will hold its shape and texture when mixed with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, dice your Roma tomatoes and the small red onion. Chop the fresh basil finely to release its aromatic oils and flavor. Having these fresh ingredients prepped ahead makes assembly a breeze. The key here is to keep the tomato pieces bite-sized and to balance the sharpness of the onion with herbs.

Step 3: Combine Everything in a Bowl

Grab a large salad bowl and add the cooled pasta, diced tomatoes, diced onion, chopped basil, shredded parmesan cheese, and mozzarella pearls. This colorful mix is the foundation of your Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe. The contrast of soft pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy cheese is what makes this salad a true crowd-pleaser.

Step 4: Dress and Season the Salad

Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, then toss well to combine all the flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste—seasoning is where all the ingredients truly come alive together.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour. This chill time allows the flavors to marry beautifully, letting the acidity of the vinegar meld with the herbs and cheese. It also helps the salad perfect a cool, refreshing quality that’s just right for warm weather.

How to Serve Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

A round wooden bowl on a white marbled surface holds a colorful layered salad with six visible sections. Starting from the left, there is pale yellow orecchiette pasta, next to it a large pile of chopped bright red tomatoes. Below the tomatoes, finely shredded beige cheese sits on top of some pasta. To the right of the cheese, finely chopped green herbs add a fresh touch, and next to them is a small pile of finely chopped light purple onions. At the bottom right, there are small, round white mozzarella balls. In the upper left corner of the image, there are two wooden containers with small wooden scoops, one filled with mixed peppercorns and the other with coarse white salt. To the right, a glass jar of golden olive oil sits on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves, some shaved parmesan, or even a few whole mozzarella pearls make excellent garnishes. They not only enhance the visual appeal with pops of green and white but also provide fresh, distinct flavor bursts as you dig in. You can even add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple crusty bread. It brightens any meal and is a perfect companion to barbecue favorites like ribs or burgers. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or mini bell peppers, turning each serving into a delightful individual portion. You can also arrange it layered in a clear trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or pack it in mason jars for easy picnic or potluck transport.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors. Avoid storing it longer to keep the tomatoes and basil tasting fresh and to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Freezing

Because this salad features fresh tomatoes and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the ingredients will be compromised after thawing. For best results, always prepare this salad fresh or consume leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature naturally or microwave for just a few seconds, but keep in mind that the fresh elements may lose their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is ideal because its shape holds the flavors well, you can also use rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just stick to pasta shapes that can catch the dressing and bits of veggies.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It depends on the pasta you choose. Regular orecchiette contains gluten, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free pasta variety to keep the salad safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent protein additions and turn this from a side into a hearty main course.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

Prepare it up to a day ahead. The flavors improve after chilling, but try not to wait longer than 24 hours to keep the fresh ingredients tasting their best.

Can I make this Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

Definitely! Simply omit the parmesan and mozzarella or replace them with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

Final Thoughts

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe is a true keeper—fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to bring to every summer gathering or enjoy any day you need a little taste of sunshine on your plate. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.