Are you looking for a vibrant and delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings? Look no further than this Bow Tie Pasta Salad! Bursting with colorful vegetables and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is as satisfying as it is versatile. Whether you’re planning a picnic, barbecue, or simply want a light meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Vegetables: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley to the cooled pasta.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This creates a tangy vinaigrette that will perfectly coat your salad.
Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Refrigerate: For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Tips:
Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully coat the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the overall taste.
Garnish for Presentation: Just before serving, consider garnishing with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a fresh, visually appealing touch.
Adjust Consistency: If the pasta salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can add a splash of olive oil or a bit more vinaigrette to loosen it up and refresh the flavors.
Serve Cold: This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re serving it outdoors or at a picnic, keep it on ice to maintain its freshness.
Pairing Suggestions: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light standalone meal. It’s a great complement to dishes like BBQ chicken, burgers, or even as a topping for mixed greens.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. The cold temperature helps maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.
Avoid Freezing: Pasta salad with vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables can deteriorate upon thawing.
Prevent Over-Marinating: If you plan to store it for more than a day, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of it and becoming soggy.
Refreshing Leftovers: When ready to serve leftovers, you may need to add a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil to restore the salad’s original flavor and texture.
Related Recipes:
- Best Recipe For Chicken Salad
- Tropical Coconut Pineapple Salad Recipe
- Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
FAQs:
Can I make Bow Tie Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare the salad up to 1-2 days in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just be sure to add any extra dressing or garnish before serving if needed.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. You can also swap Kalamata olives for black or green olives and replace feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella. Add or omit vegetables based on your taste and availability.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming mushy?
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it just until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture.
Can I freeze Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables can become mushy upon thawing. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days for the best quality.
Conclusion:
For a vibrant addition to your summer menu, this Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a winner. Enjoy it at your next picnic, barbecue, or as a light lunch or dinner option. The blend of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing makes it a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
📖 Recipe:
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Bow Tie Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Kalamata olives, and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a delightful addition to picnics, barbecues, or light meals. With its mix of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and savory feta cheese, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any occasion.
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley to the pasta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For best results, refrigerate the pasta salad before serving to enhance the flavor.
You can add or substitute vegetables based on your preference.
This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal (per serving)
