Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls
Bruschetta Pasta Salad with mini mozzarella balls is a delicious, fresh dish that combines the flavors of traditional bruschetta with pasta. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side at dinner, or even a picnic meal. If you’re craving a unique pasta salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. For another tasty pasta salad option, you can check out this Big Mac Pasta Salad Recipe.
Why Make This Recipe
This pasta salad is not just delicious, but it is also very easy to prepare. It incorporates fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil, which can add a refreshing touch to your meal. Plus, the mini mozzarella balls provide a creamy texture that complements the crunch of the bread crumbs. You can make it ahead of time, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or busy weekdays. You may also find Club Sandwich Pasta Salad Recipe useful.
Ingredients
- 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 red wine vinegar
- Salt + pepper, to taste
- 2 large slices sourdough bread (or other bread of choice)
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain pasta once cooked.
Prep the Salad: While the pasta cooks, prepare the remainder of the salad ingredients. Add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped shallots, halved bocconcini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped basil, and salt and pepper to a large salad bowl. Toss the ingredients and let them sit to allow the flavors to meld.
Make the Breadcrumbs: Toast the bread in a toaster until golden brown. Then, tear the toasted bread into smaller pieces and place them in a large food processor. Pulse until small crumbs form, keeping some larger pieces for added texture. In a large skillet, heat 1.5 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs along with garlic powder, if using. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are toasted and crunchy.
Combine: Add the drained pasta and the toasted breadcrumbs to the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss everything to combine, seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy!
Serving
This Bruschetta Pasta Salad is great to serve right away, but it also tastes even better after letting it sit for a little while. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side, especially alongside grilled meats or other salads like this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad with Prosciutto.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 2-3 days. However, the breadcrumbs may become soggy over time, so you might want to keep them separate if you plan to make it ahead of time.
Tips
- If you want an extra touch, you can add olives or diced bell peppers for additional flavors.
- Using different types of herbs can change the profile of the salad. Try adding parsley or oregano alongside the basil.
Variations
Feel free to swap in different pasta shapes, such as fusilli or rotini, to suit your preferences. You could also experiment with different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella. For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Any small pasta shape works well, such as penne, fusilli, or even small shells.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance. Just remember to keep the breadcrumbs separate until serving.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a great option for meal prep since it can be stored in the fridge and portioned out for lunches throughout the week. You might also find inspiration from other straightforward recipes like this Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.
What if I don’t have mini mozzarella balls?
You can substitute with regular mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Mini Mozzarella Balls makes a fantastic dish for any occasion. If you’re looking for similar recipes, consider checking out the Delicious Bruschetta Pasta Salad, which offers a wonderful twist, or try this variation from The Country Cook. Enjoy your culinary adventures!
Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups small pasta shape, dry
- 24 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved (roughly 680 grams or 5 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small shallot, chopped
- 6 ounces mini bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved (roughly 180 grams)
- 1 ounce fresh basil leaves, chopped (28 grams or one standard package)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt + pepper, to taste
Breadcrumbs
- 2 large slices sourdough bread (or other bread of choice)
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain pasta once cooked.
Preparing the Salad
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the remainder of the salad ingredients. Add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped shallots, halved bocconcini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped basil, and salt and pepper to a large salad bowl. Toss the ingredients and let them sit to allow the flavors to meld.
Making the Breadcrumbs
- Toast the bread in a toaster until golden brown. Then, tear the toasted bread into smaller pieces and place them in a large food processor. Pulse until small crumbs form, keeping some larger pieces for added texture.
- In a large skillet, heat 1.5 tsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs along with garlic powder, if using. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are toasted and crunchy.
Combining
- Add the drained pasta and the toasted breadcrumbs to the rest of the salad ingredients. Toss everything to combine, seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
