Bowtie Pasta Salad: How to Make Bowtie Pasta Salad at Home

Bowtie Pasta Salad

Looking for a delicious and adaptable recipe that works for any setting? You need look no further than this recipe for Homemade Bowtie Pasta Salad! This pasta salad is a real crowd-pleaser since it is brimming with vibrant flavors, colorful vegetables, and a spicy dressing. This dish will suit your needs whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, going to a potluck, or simply want a filling meal. Let’s get started making this delectable cuisine step by step.

INGREDIENTS

 

  

 

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

  • Large saucepan of salted water should be brought to a boil.
  • Bowtie pasta should be added and cooked per the directions on the package until al dente.
  • When the pasta is finished cooking, strain it in a colander and run it under cold water to halt the cooking. Allow it to totally cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives should all be combined in a mixing dish.
  • Gently toss the vegetables to thoroughly combine them. Place aside.

Step 3: Making the Dressing

  • Extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper should all be combined in a separate bowl.
  • Blend all of the ingredients together with a whisk until the dressing is thoroughly emulsified.

Step 4: Assembling the Pasta Salad

  • Combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared vegetable mixture in a sizable serving bowl.
  • Sprinkle the spaghetti and vegetables with the dressing. To ensure that the dressing is distributed evenly, gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Adding the Final Touches

  • Pasta salad should be topped with feta cheese crumbles and fresh basil that has been chopped.
  • Give the salad one last toss to evenly distribute the cheese and basil.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

  • It’s time to eat your homemade bowtie pasta salad!
  • The salad can be served right away as a light main dish or side.
  • When preparing a salad ahead of time, keep it chilled and give it one last toss just before serving to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
Bowtie Pasta Salad

Bowtie Pasta Salad

Use our recipe for Homemade Bowtie Pasta Salad to improve your meals. A tasty and fulfilling dish is created by the combination of colorful veggies, tangy dressing, and feta cheese. Perfect for events or a tasty lunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 7 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Breakfast, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon:
  • Serving Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 1/3 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

  • Large saucepan of salted water should be brought to a boil.
  • Bowtie pasta should be added and cooked per the directions on the package until al dente.
  • When the pasta is finished cooking, strain it in a colander and run it under cold water to halt the cooking. Allow it to totally cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives should all be combined in a mixing dish.
  • Gently toss the vegetables to thoroughly combine them. Place aside.

Step 3: Making the Dressing

  • Extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper should all be combined in a separate bowl.
  • Blend all of the ingredients together with a whisk until the dressing is thoroughly emulsified.

Step 4: Assembling the Pasta Salad

  • Combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared vegetable mixture in a sizable serving bowl.
  • Sprinkle the spaghetti and vegetables with the dressing. To ensure that the dressing is distributed evenly, gently toss everything together.

Step 5: Adding the Final Touches

  • Pasta salad should be topped with feta cheese crumbles and fresh basil that has been chopped.
  • Give the salad one last toss to evenly distribute the cheese and basil.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

  • It's time to eat your homemade bowtie pasta salad!
  • The salad can be served right away as a light main dish or side.
  • When preparing a salad ahead of time, keep it chilled and give it one last toss just before serving to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Video

Nutrition Fact

Nutrition Per Serving:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 250 – 300 calories Total Fat: 12 – 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 3 – 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 10 – 15mg Sodium: 250 – 350mg Total Carbohydrates: 30 – 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 – 4g
  • Sugars: 4 – 6g Protein: 6 – 8g

Vitamins and Minerals:

  • Vitamin A: 15 – 20% DV
  • Vitamin C: 25 – 30% DV
  • Calcium: 6 – 8% DV
  • Iron: 8 – 10% DV
Bowtie Pasta Salad

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make the pasta salad ahead of time?
The answer is yes, you may make the pasta salad in advance. To preserve the freshness of the ingredients, it is ideal to add the dressing, feta cheese, and basil right before serving.
2. Can I customize the vegetables in the salad?
Absolutely! The recipe only offers a few suggestions for vegetables. You are welcome to alter the salad to suit your tastes and the available vegetables by adding or replacing them.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, if you’d prefer, you can substitute a different kind of pasta. Farfalle, or bowtie pasta, is preferred due to its distinctive shape, but rotini or penne are alternative short pasta varieties that would also work well.
4. Is the salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is suitable for vegetarians. However, you can skip the feta cheese or use a non-dairy equivalent if you’re feeding it to someone who doesn’t consume dairy.
5. Can I add protein to the salad?
Absolutely! The salad can benefit from adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned beans as a source of protein to make it more fulfilling and substantial.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Pasta salad leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container. Prior to serving, mix the salad one more to evenly distribute the dressing and seasonings.
7. Can I use a different type of dressing?
Yes, you can experiment with several dressings to find one that you like. The salad would go well with a basic olive oil and vinegar dressing, an Italian dressing, or a lemon vinaigrette.
8. Can I make the salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Make sure to look for any potential sources of gluten on the labels of your pasta and other items.
9. How can I make the salad more filling for a main dish?
Consider adding protein-rich foods like grilled chicken, beans, or quinoa to the salad to make it a more filling main dish.

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