This quick and easy Bruschetta Pasta Salad is the perfect Summer salad! Recipe yields 4-6 servings and is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd at your next party or potluck.
First, make the dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk (or pop it in a mason jar and shake) until well combined. Ingredients will separate naturally, simply whisk/shake again before pouring and you're good to go!
Bring a medium-large pot to boil over high heat and cook dried pasta per package instructions. With 3-4 minutes of cook time remaining, add tortellini. When both pastas are tender and cooked through, remove from heat and drain. Rinse with cold water to halt cooking and set side.
Chop tomatoes and basil and add to pasta. Pour over dressing and mix well.
Top with freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle or two of sweet balsamic glaze. Add any desired extras and dive in! This salad can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled - it's up to you!
MAKE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
If making this salad in advance, add half the dressing right away and reserve the remainder for before serving. The pasta will soak up the dressing in the fridge (hello flavor!) and need to be dressed with the other half of the dressing before serving. I also like to add an additional drizzle of olive oil over mine before serving. SO GOOD!
Notes
Cook time will vary based on pasta used. I used approx. 10-12 oz pasta and a mix of dried bowtie and fresh tortellini. If using only tortellini, the pasta should be done in 3-4 minutes. Bowtie pasta take about 10-12 minutes to cook while smaller dried pasta will take 8-9 minutes.Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator and will vary based on type of pasta used and amount of parmesan added. Adjust as needed and enjoy!Love mozzarella? Add some to the salad! It's a lovely addition.