This bow tie pasta salad is colorful, crisp, and easy to pull together for lunch, dinner, or a potluck table. It has a simple, bright dressing and plenty of texture in every bite.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta also called farfalle
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup black olives sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese optional
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bow tie pasta until just tender. Drain it well and rinse briefly under cool water so it stops cooking and cools down faster.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Slice the olives and set everything aside in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, then pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently until every piece is lightly coated.
- If you have time, refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can settle in. Give it one more toss before serving and add feta if you like.
Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This is the kind of recipe that feels just right when you want something fresh but filling. The bow tie pasta holds the dressing well, the vegetables add crunch, and it tastes even better after a little time in the fridge.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bow tie pasta, also called farfalle
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Bell pepper, chopped
- Black olives, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese, optional
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
You can swap in spinach, roasted zucchini, or cucumber for other fresh vegetables. If you want a different cheese, try small cubes of mozzarella or leave the cheese out entirely. For a slightly sweeter dressing, add a little grape juice in place of some of the lemon juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bow tie pasta until just tender. Drain it well and rinse briefly under cool water so it stops cooking and cools down faster.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley. Slice the olives and set everything aside in a large bowl.
Step 3: Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine everything
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, then pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently until every piece is lightly coated.
Step 5: Chill and serve
If you have time, refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can settle in. Give it one more toss before serving and add feta if you like.
Tips for Success
Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays pleasantly firm after chilling. If the salad seems a little dry after resting, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice right before serving. For the best flavor, season in layers, a little in the pasta water, a little in the dressing, and a final taste at the end.
Variations of Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Try adding grilled chicken for extra protein, chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian twist, or roasted vegetables for deeper flavor. You can also make it more garden-fresh with arugula, baby spinach, or fresh basil. If you like a creamier finish, stir in a spoonful of yogurt to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, baked fish, burgers, or a simple soup. It also works well alongside fresh fruit, garlic bread, or a tray of cut vegetables for an easy meal spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best served cold or at cool room temperature, so reheating is not needed. If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, stir in a little extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
Bow tie pasta salad always feels like one of those recipes that brings people back for a second helping. It is simple enough for a weekday, but cheerful enough to share when friends and family gather around the table.
FAQs
Can I make bow tie pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few hours in advance, or even the day before, then stir it again before serving.
How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?
Use enough dressing and toss the salad again before serving. A small splash of olive oil or lemon juice can freshen it up if needed.
What pasta shape can I use instead of bow ties?
You can use rotini, penne, or shells if that is what you have on hand. Choose a shape with ridges or curves so it catches the dressing well.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, just leave out the feta. The salad still has plenty of flavor from the vegetables and dressing.
Final Thoughts
Bow tie pasta salad is one of those dependable recipes that feels fresh, colorful, and easy to love. Make it once, and it may become your go-to for busy weeks, picnics, and simple family meals.