Orecchiette Bruschetta Pasta Salad
A fresh take on a classic bruschetta, this pasta salad combines orecchiette pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a delightful dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced or torn
- 4–6 cloves garlic, grated into a paste
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Chop your cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a bowl. Add the grated garlic paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let this sit to allow the flavors to meld.
- Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Optionally add red pepper flakes.
- Toss the drained orecchiette with the tomato mixture while still warm.
- Fold in the fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil dressing, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to develop flavors.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and is best served chilled. Add protein or cheese for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pasta salad, bruschetta, orecchiette, summer dish, vegetarian recipe
Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/orecchiette-pasta-salad-bruschetta/