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A hand picking up a piece of pesto bruschetta topped with tomatoes.

Italian Pesto Bruschetta Recipe (With Tomato and Basil)

Allie Hagerty
Enjoy the taste of Italy with this Pesto Bruschetta with Marinated Tomatoes recipe. A fresh and flavorful summer dish that's easy to make.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • sheet pan

Ingredients
  

For the Marinated Tomatoes

  • 2 cups tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced
  • 6 leaves basil, chiffonade*
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the Bruschetta (Crostini)

  • 1 small baguette
  • 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and cut in half

Other

  • 1/2 cup pesto

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 °Fahrenheit (204 °Celsius). Slice your baguette and place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Prepare the Marinated Tomatoes

  • Add the diced tomatoes, red onion, salt, pepper, olive oil, and basil to a small bowl. Note: if you are making this ahead, do not add the basil yet. You will add the basil right before serving if you are having this later.
  • Mix the ingreidnets and set aside. If you are making this ahead of time, the tomato mixture can be stored in the fridge, although, you should take it out 10 minutes before you serve so it can be brought back to the right temp.

Toast the Bruschetta

  • Brush each side of the bread with oil and place on a large sheet pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Assemble

  • Once the toasts are done, sprinkle a little bit of salt on the tops, and let cool for 5 minutes before rubbing the tops with the cut garlic.
  • Time to assemble! Divide the pesto among the toasts, using the back of a spoon or a knife to spread.
  • Then, top with a generous amount of the tomato mixture. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Assemble just before serving - For the freshest and most vibrant flavors, wait to assemble the bruschetta with the marinated tomatoes and pesto until right before you're ready to serve it. This will prevent the bread from becoming soggy and ensure that each bite bursts with freshness and texture. No one wants soggy bruschetta!
  • Use high-quality ingredients - Since this dish relies on simple, fresh ingredients, it's important to use high-quality produce and olive oil for the best results. Fresh, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and extra virgin olive oil will elevate the flavors and make your bruschetta truly exceptional.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 423mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 269IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
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