Name: Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced; ½ cup shredded carrots; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra shine); Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tbsp chopped parsley

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This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines pasta with crisp veggies and a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep, it’s a light yet satisfying salad that can be made in minutes. The colorful ingredients and zesty flavors make it an ideal addition to any gathering or a simple, healthy lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is everything you want in a light, summery dish—crunchy, tangy, and full of flavor. The bow tie pasta (farfalle) holds the dressing beautifully, while the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and red onions add the perfect balance of freshness and crunch. With the addition of Italian dressing and a touch of olive oil, this salad is an easy and versatile dish that pairs well with almost any main course or can be enjoyed on its own.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Ingredients

2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra shine)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion.
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Add the olive oil if desired for extra shine and richness.
Toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad and give it one final toss.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken or any other protein of your choice to turn this pasta salad into a more filling meal.
Cheese: For extra flavor, add crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Veggies: Swap the raw vegetables for roasted ones (like bell peppers or zucchini) for a warm variation of the salad.
Vegan Version: Make the salad vegan by using a dairy-free dressing and omitting any cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This pasta salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you prefer it at room temperature, simply allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute the bow tie pasta with any pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. It’s actually better after sitting for 30 minutes or more in the fridge, allowing the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables.

3. How do I make this pasta salad more filling?

To make it more filling, you can add proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. You can also add cheese like feta or mozzarella.

4. Can I use homemade Italian dressing?

Yes, homemade Italian dressing works great in this recipe! Simply whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, and a bit of salt and pepper for a fresh dressing.

5. How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing or add a diced jalapeño to the vegetables.

6. Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a different flavor.

7. How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it firm. Also, avoid adding the dressing too early—toss everything just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much dressing.

8. How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. After that, the veggies may start to lose their crunch, but it’s still safe to eat.

9. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many grocery stores now offer a variety of gluten-free pasta options, such as rice or corn-based pasta.

10. Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?

Yes! You can add nuts like almonds or seeds like sunflower seeds for an extra crunch. Just sprinkle them on top right before serving to keep them crisp.

Conclusion

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and tangy dressing makes it a satisfying side or a light main dish. With endless variations to suit your taste, it’s a great recipe to have on hand for summer picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. Refreshing and easy to make, this salad is sure to become a favorite!

Chef MARTHA