This colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing that will become a crowd favorite at your next picnic, barbecue, or family gathering. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients
Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
You’ll love how vibrant and fresh this salad is. The bow tie pasta (also known as farfalle) adds a fun shape and texture, while the combination of crisp veggies, herbs, and zesty dressing makes every bite a burst of flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light meal on its own.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Time and Servings:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Swap the feta cheese for mozzarella or Parmesan.
- Use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the red wine vinegar dressing for a different flavor profile.
FAQs:
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving.
- Can I substitute the pasta for something else? You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, packing a picnic, or just looking for a quick, light lunch, this pasta salad brings the flavors together in the most delicious way. With a combination of tender bow tie pasta, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and olives. Add them to the bowl with the pasta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top, and gently toss again.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dish a refreshing, cool taste.
Notes
This pasta salad is perfect for a make-ahead dish. Prepare it in advance and let it chill in the fridge for the best flavor. You can also make it more substantial by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 180-220 kcal (approximate, depending on ingredient brands)
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200-250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg