Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, I’ve got just the thing for you: Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls! This delightful pasta salad brings together the classic flavors of bruschetta in an easy-to-make cold salad. It’s packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mini mozzarella balls, making it a favorite at my dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a picnic, or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this dish even more special is that it’s not only delicious but also super simple to whip up! In just over 30 minutes, you can have a colorful and satisfying salad that everyone will love. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can be made ahead of time—what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pasta salad comes together in no time. With just a few steps, you’ll have a tasty dish ready to go!
• Fresh Ingredients: Bursting with fresh flavors from tomatoes and basil, this salad is like a summer garden on your plate.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch or an elegant dinner party, this salad fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and enjoy the flavors as they meld together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls. You’ll find everything here is easy to work with and readily available!

For the Salad

• 2 cups small pasta shape, dry
• Approx. 24 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (roughly 680 grams or 5 cups)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 a small shallot, chopped
• Approx. 6 ounces mini bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved (roughly 180 grams)
• Approx. 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, chopped (28 grams or one standard package)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt + pepper, to taste

For the Crunchy Topping

• 2 large slices sourdough bread (or other bread of choice)
• 1.5 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Variations

This bruschetta pasta salad is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
• Swap the Cheese: If you want to keep it dairy-free or simply prefer something different, try using marinated tofu cubes instead of mozzarella.
• Herb Alternatives: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or oregano if basil isn’t your favorite.
• Add Protein: For an extra boost of protein, include chickpeas or grilled chicken pieces.

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the small pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta once cooked and set it aside. Cooking the pasta until al dente gives it the perfect texture that holds up well in salads.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, let’s prepare the rest of our salad! In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped shallot, halved mozzarella balls, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chopped basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently so those beautiful flavors can start mingling.

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Breadcrumbs

Toast your slices of sourdough bread until golden brown. Then tear them into smaller pieces and pulse them in a food processor until they reach crumb size—you can leave some bigger pieces for added texture! Heat 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add your breadcrumbs along with garlic powder if using. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until they are toasted and crunchy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained pasta and those delicious crunchy breadcrumbs to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly so every bite gets coated in flavor. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish chilled or at room temperature—it’s simply scrumptious!

Pro Tips for Making Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

Creating the perfect bruschetta pasta salad is a breeze when you keep a few handy tips in mind!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil enhance the salad’s flavor and aroma, making every bite taste vibrant and delicious.
• Customize your pasta: Feel free to experiment with different small pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle to add variety in texture and presentation.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more delicious dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Every palate is different, so make it to your liking!
• Add some crunch: Don’t skip on the toasted breadcrumbs! They provide an irresistible crunch that takes this pasta salad to another level.

How to Serve Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

Presenting your bruschetta pasta salad can elevate its appeal, making it not just tasty but also visually inviting.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves scattered on top add a beautiful touch while reinforcing that fresh basil flavor.
• Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds richness and depth, enhancing the overall taste experience without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

• Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mini mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze create a complementary appetizer that mirrors the flavors of your pasta salad.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish, providing a satisfying contrast in texture while echoing those Italian flavors.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus offer a smoky flavor that complements the freshness of the salad nicely.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice can serve as a refreshing side that balances out the richness of the pasta.

Enjoy crafting this delightful bruschetta pasta salad with mini mozzarella balls for any occasion! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Mini Mozzarella Balls is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it a day ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta salad to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the mozzarella and fresh ingredients.
• However, you can prepare the pasta and store it separately from the salad ingredients, then combine them when ready to serve.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored leftovers, simply take out a portion and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a quick warm-up, you can microwave it for 30 seconds or until just warmed through, but enjoy it cold for the original taste!

FAQs

If you have questions about making this recipe or its variations, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mini mozzarella balls?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mini feta or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile while still keeping that creamy texture.

How long will Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this pasta salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember that it tastes best fresh!

Can I add more vegetables to my Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even olives for added flavor and nutrition.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Small shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle are perfect choices as they hold onto the dressing and mix well with all the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Mini Mozzarella Balls as much as I do! It’s a vibrant dish that’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring friends and family together around a table. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients — every batch can be a little different. Happy cooking!