Bruschetti - Easy Bruschetta Pasta Salad Recipe

This bruschetta pasta salad recipe is one of my favorite cold pasta salad recipes to make this time of year. It's made from the same simple ingredients as traditional bruschetta but in pasta salad form. I recommend using leftover spaghetti to keep it no-cook.

Why You'll love Bruschetti

Bruschetti, also known as bruschetta pasta salad, is an easy and delicious recipe bursting with vibrant flavors. It's a particularly great option for hot days when you don't want to cook.

And in case it isn't clear, I call it "bruschetti" because it's a combination of bruschetta and spaghetti!

Inspired by the fresh taste of traditional bruschetta, this dish replaces bread with leftover pasta, making it a fantastic no-cook option. The simplicity of the key ingredients shines through, delivering a refreshing and satisfying meal.

To prepare, gather fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar reduction, flaky salt, and pepper. Although you can get your tomatoes from the grocery store, I recommend finding them at your local farmers market for a more robust, fresh flavor similar to what's found in Italy.

While adding fresh mozzarella transforms it into more of a Caprese salad, it's a worthwhile addition. Doing so elevates this dish from a simple side to the ultimate crowd-pleaser at all of your summer gatherings.

Best of all, this dish only improves with time. This perfect recipe tastes even better the next day so it's the perfect side dish for meal prep!

Trust me, you'll want a big bowl of this bruschetta tomato pasta salad at your next summer dinner. So go ahead and add these fresh ingredients to your shopping list and get ready to enjoy a delightful, no-fuss meal!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pasta: I recommend using angel hair spaghetti because i think it's the perfect pasta for this easy fuss-free recipe. But you could use bowtie pasta (aka farfalle pasta), pasta shells, penne pasta, or rigatoni. If you prefer smaller pasta, try ditalini pasta or orzo. 
• Fresh Tomatoes: Large tomatoes are ideal but you could use quartered grape tomatoes or some juicy cherry tomatoes if that's all you have.
• Garlic Cloves: If you want more of a mild garlic flavor, swap the fresh garlic out for garlic powder.
• Mozzarella Cheese: I love the texture of hand torn mozzarella, but if you wanted to skip that step, opt for mozzarella pearls.
• White Balsamic Vinegar Glaze: I like using white balsamic vinegar becuase the color stays bright and vibrant. But if you only had regular balsamic reduction you could use that.... or try some white wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: To make this light lunch the real deal, be sure to use a really nice finishing oil. You want one that is fruity and bold. 
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil makes this dish extra delicious. But if you had to use dried basil as a last alternative, you could.
• Flaky Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: No real substitutions for this! If you're using a different kind of salt, just add it sparingly. Remember you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
• Optional Additions: Want to add some more tasty flavors to this bruschetta pasta salad? Try red onion, parmesan cheese, or even some store-bought croutons. You could swap out the tomatoes for strawberries (or other fresh fruits) for a fun twist.  You could also add more scrumptious seasonings like onion powder, seasoned salt, or dried italian seasoning.

how to make it

Making this bruschetta pasta salad is super easy!

Cook & Cool Spaghetti: I recommend starting with leftover spaghetti for an easy no-cook recipe. But if you're starting this recipe from scratch, you should follow the package directions on how to cook your pasta. As the pasta cooks, start chopping your ripe tomatoes. Once the pasta is al dente, rinse it with cold water until chilled. Once it's done, add it to a large mixing bowl.

Add Bruschetta Ingredients: Add the cooled, tender pasta to a large bowl then top with chopped juicy tomatoes. Next, grate garlic over the top then add flaky salt, fresh cracked pepper, balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil.

Add Cheese & Basil: Pull a ball of mozzarella apart into bite sized pieces (with your hands!) and add it on top followed by another sprinkle of salt. Then rip up lots of fresh basil and place it on top.  

Toss & Taste: Toss everything together. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and olive oil if necessary. 

Serve or Save: You can place your tomato bruschetta pasta salad  leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

What goes with it

Wondering what to serve with bruschetta pasta salad?

Here are some of my favorite appetizer recipes to serve with it:

• Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer Recipe with Salami & Pickles
• Whipped Brie Cheese Dip Appetizer with Honey & Fig Jam
• Italian Grinder Crescent Roll Ring

And when it comes to main dish ideas, here are some great choices: 

• Baked Chicken Pesto Meatballs
• Cheesy Ricotta Meatball Skillet
• Crispy Chicken Cutlets (Easy Southern Oven Baked Recipe)

For more italian pasta salads, check out my pasta salad recipe collection for more delicious recipes. 

Recipe