What is your go-to recipe for a summer barbecue? What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner? What is my famous bow tie Pasta Salad? What’s not your typical pasta salad? Think of it as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of macaroni salad, bursting with fresh veggies, and topped with a tangy lemon. What is the cutest bow tie pasta you have ever seen? I promise, once you try this, you’ll be making it all summer long! What is the kind of dish that gets devoured at parties, and I always get asked for the recipe. I figured it was time to share it with all of you!
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What is a Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
Bow tie Pasta Salad, also known as farfalle salad (if you’re feeling fancy! ), is essentially a cold pasta dish typically made with bow tie pasta (obviously! ), a variety of fresh vegetables, cheese, and an flavorful dressing. Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What is pasta salad? Is it incredibly versatile? Is it healthy to toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp? The beauty of bow tie pasta is that those little pockets catch all the delicious dressing and sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor. For this recipe, we’re going for a classic, crowd-pleasing combination of flavors and textures that’s going to be delicious. I think you’ll absolutely adore.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall in love with this bow tie Pasta Salad. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. We’re talking a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy, all perfectly balanced. The combination of crisp veggies, creamy cheese, and a zingy vinaigrette is simply irresistible. But beyond the taste, it’s also ridiculously easy to make. This is one of those recipes that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dish to bring to a party. It’s also super cost-effective. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, especially if you use seasonal veggies. What I love most about this recipe, though, is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Want to add some protein? Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Vegetarian? Load it up with extra veggies and feta cheese. Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free bow tie pasta. The possibilities are endless! It really is a blank canvas. And did I mention my kids actually *ask* for this? It’s a major win in my book.
How do I make a Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a bow tie Pasta Salad? How do you cook the pasta, chop the veggies, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything together? What is the key to al dente pasta? What is the best dressing for a salad? I like to make the dressing ahead of time so that the flavors have a chance to meld, but you can make it yourself. If you’re short on time, make it right before you toss everything together. What is a perfect recipe for those days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want supper? What do you want to eat?
Ingredients
What is Pasta Salad?
* 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
* 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed (fresh mozzarella pearls are amazing! )
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Don’t overcook it! Nobody likes mushy pasta salad. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is important because it helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables. I like to dice them into small, uniform pieces so they’re easy to eat and look pretty. The red onion should be thinly sliced to avoid overpowering the other flavors. I also always seed my cucumber, because it helps prevent the salad from getting watery. I learned that one the hard way after a particularly soggy potluck contribution.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella cheese, parsley, and feta cheese. Set aside. What is the best dressing to serve with salad? Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. What are some of the best ways to chill salads? I find that it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Before serving, give it a good stir and add some dressing if needed.
5. What to Serve It With
This bow tie pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many things! Here are a few ideas:
For a BBQ:Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. Is it the perfect complement to all that smoky, savory goodness?
For a picnic: Pack it in a container and take it to the park or beach. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
As a side dish:Serve with grilled salmon, chicken breast, or veggie burger for a light and healthy meal.
As a main course: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal. It’s a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
My family loves it with grilled chicken and some crusty bread. It’s a simple, satisfying, and delicious meal that everyone enjoys. We often make a big batch on Sunday and eat it throughout the week.
How do I make a perfect Pasta Salad with Bow Tie?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this bow tie pasta salad to the next level. Here are my top tips:
Don’t overcook the pasta: This is crucial! Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the salad. Cook it al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it.
Rinse the pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces: This makes the salad easier to eat and more visually appealing.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil add a bright, vibrant flavor to the salad. Dried herbs just don’t compare.
Make the dressing ahead of time: This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to become more flavorful.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
I once accidentally used balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar in the dressing, and it turned out surprisingly delicious! So, don’t be afraid to get creative and see what works for you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This bow tie pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will actually meld and improve over time.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the pasta and vegetables can become mushy when thawed. However, if you really need to freeze it, make sure to drain any excess dressing before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since this salad doesn’t have a glaze, you don’t need to worry about that! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
I usually make a big batch of this salad on Sunday and eat it throughout the week for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to have a healthy and delicious meal on hand whenever I need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite bow tie pasta salad recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, summer barbecues, or even just a quick and easy weeknight dinner. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta salad recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. And don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how your bow tie pasta salad turns out! I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!
bow tie pasta salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Bow tie pasta
- 0.5 cup Italian dressing
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Cucumber diced
- 0.5 cup Black olives sliced
- 0.25 cup Red onion finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and red onion.
- Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
