Name: Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next summer picnic or cozy dinner gathering, look no further than this Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls. Juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and tender mini mozzarella (bocconcini) come together with a garlicky kick and golden, crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs, transforming your favorite bruschetta flavors into a craveable, refreshing pasta salad. Whether you serve it as a satisfying vegetarian main or as a bright side dish, this salad is bound to steal the show!

Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves how a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can create irresistible flavor and texture. Each element is essential, offering bursts of color, creaminess, crunch, or zesty contrast to make the Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls completely unforgettable.

Pasta (2 cups, small shape): Use shapes like bowties, penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi for the perfect bite and sauce-hugging power.
Cherry tomatoes (24 ounces, halved): These sweet, juicy gems bring freshness and vibrant color to every forkful.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a savory punch, balancing the brightness of the tomatoes and basil.
Shallot (1/2 small, chopped): Offers delicate, mild flavor that melts into the salad without overwhelming the palate.
Mini bocconcini (6 ounces, halved): These creamy mini mozzarella balls give every bite a soft, milky richness for classic bruschetta vibes.
Fresh basil leaves (1 ounce, chopped): Adds a bold, garden-fresh aroma that makes the whole dish sing.
Olive oil (2 Tbsp): A must for luscious texture and subtle fruitiness.
Red wine vinegar (2 Tbsp): Lends the perfect tangy lift to the mix.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning ties all the flavors together and highlights their individuality.
Sourdough bread (2 large slices, for breadcrumbs): Optional but highly recommended to deliver that signature bruschetta crunch and flavor!
Olive oil (1.5 tsp, for breadcrumbs): Helps the breadcrumbs become golden and irresistibly toasty.
Garlic powder (1 tsp, for breadcrumbs, optional): Kicks up the savory factor, echoing the fresh garlic in the salad.

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously salt it, and cook your chosen small pasta shape according to the package directions. Aim for al dente; you want the noodles to have a little bite, since they’ll soak up some flavor from the bruschetta salad. Once they’re ready, drain them quickly and give a gentle toss with a drizzle of olive oil to help them cool and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Bruschetta Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, grab your largest salad bowl and toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped shallots, halved mini bocconcini, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a shower of freshly chopped basil. Season generously with salt and cracked black pepper. Give everything a big, gentle toss to marry those classic bruschetta flavors, and let the mixture sit — this will allow the tomatoes to release some delicious juices.

Step 3: Make Crunchy Breadcrumbs

If you’re going for the full bruschetta experience, don’t skip the homemade breadcrumbs! Toast your sourdough slices until golden, then tear them into chunks and pulse in a food processor until you have a mix of bigger and small crumbs (texture is your friend here). Heat a skillet with olive oil, add the crumbs and, if you love extra garlicky flavor, sprinkle in some garlic powder. Stir often over medium-high heat until everything is crisp and toasty, about five minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Add your drained, cooled pasta to the tomato-mozzarella salad, followed by most of your crunchy, golden breadcrumbs. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together gently. Taste and adjust for salt, vinegar, or pepper. Right before serving, shower the salad with extra fresh basil and the reserved breadcrumbs for maximum flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching finish, garnish your Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls just before serving with extra fresh basil leaves, more crunchy breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of really good olive oil. A scattering of flaky sea salt or a crack of black pepper never hurts either. If you want to get fancy, a little lemon zest on top wakes up all the flavors.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines on its own, but it’s also a spectacular partner for all things grilled: think herby chicken skewers, juicy sausages, or even a steak for a fresh Italian twist. For a summery vegetarian spread, pair it with grilled vegetables, marinated beans, or a platter of ripe melon slices and prosciutto. Serve with extra sourdough slices to scoop up every last tomatoey, cheesy morsel.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a crowd, serve Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls in a large shallow bowl or old-school platter for easy sharing. For picnics or lunchboxes, divide into mason jars or bento boxes for a portable (and gorgeous) meal. Or make little pasta salad “bruschetta bites” by spooning the salad onto crisp crostini just before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps wonderfully for up to two days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you want your breadcrumbs to stay crunchy, keep them in a separate container at room temperature and mix in just before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, so the salad is still delicious even as leftovers—one of the reasons it’s perfect for meal prep!

Freezing

While freezing isn’t recommended for Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls (the tomatoes and cheese don’t thaw well), you can certainly prep the breadcrumbs in advance and freeze them for up to a month. Defrost and crisp them up in a skillet before tossing with the chilled salad for freshly made crunch.

Reheating

Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls is made to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. For the ultimate crunch, always add breadcrumbs right before serving, whether eating straight from the fridge or closer to room temp.

FAQs

Can I make Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap your favorite certified gluten free pasta (like corn, quinoa, or rice-based varieties) and use gluten free bread or skip the breadcrumbs altogether. All the vibrant flavors remain, minus the gluten.

What can I use instead of mini bocconcini?

If you can’t find mini mozzarella balls, feel free to chop larger mozzarella into cubes. Crumbled feta or even freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano are great substitutes that add a different but equally delicious twist.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make the Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls up to two days ahead, but for the very best texture, keep the toasted breadcrumbs separate until just before serving. The salad itself gets even more flavorful as it sits!

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work beautifully in this pasta salad. Simply stir in your cooked protein along with the pasta for a hearty, satisfying main course.

What’s the best way to transport Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls for a picnic?

Transfer the salad to a lidded container and bring the breadcrumbs and any garnishes in a zip-top bag or small jar. Then, toss everything together when you arrive for freshness and crunch right at your picnic blanket!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Bruschetta Pasta Salad With Mini Mozzarella Balls is everything you love about bruschetta, reimagined as a colorful, shareable salad that’s perfect for every gathering or a weekday meal that feels like a treat. I hope you try it and fall in love with each zesty, creamy, crunchy bite. Don’t forget to make extra—you’ll want leftovers!