Description
Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a colorful and delicious summer recipe featuring tender farfalle pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and a flavorful homemade Italian dressing. This easy cold pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, meal prep, and warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
For the Italian Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
- Grilled chicken
- Salami slices
- Feta cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Avocado chunks
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and fresh herbs.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooled pasta, vegetables, mozzarella, olives, and herbs to a large bowl.
- Add dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Toss again before serving and add extra herbs or cheese if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, prepare this pasta salad a few hours ahead and let it chill before serving. Cook pasta slightly firm so it holds its texture after chilling. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: bow tie pasta salad, farfalle pasta salad, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad recipe, Italian pasta salad, BBQ side dish, easy potluck recipe