Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vibrant, playful dish that’s meant for sharing—whether it’s at sun-drenched picnics, cozy family dinners, or festive potlucks. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zesty red onion, and creamy mozzarella all tossed with those irresistible farfalle “bow ties” in a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is everything we crave in a one-bowl meal. It’s simple to put together, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become the highlight of your table.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Bow Tie Pasta Salad brings its own splash of flavor, color, and crunch. Together, they transform humble pantry staples into a lively, crowd-pleasing dish that looks just as good as it tastes!

Bow tie pasta (farfalle): The whimsical shape holds the dressing and veggies perfectly, making every bite a little celebration.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness and gorgeous pops of red.
Cucumber: Sliced and quartered for extra crunch and a refreshing bite.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a slight zing and beautiful color contrast.
Bell peppers: Feel free to use any color you love—each one adds sweetness and a cheerful look.
Black olives: Sliced for savory, briny flavor that elevates every forkful.
Mozzarella balls or cubed cheese: Creamy cheese provides that rich, satisfying element your guests will rave about.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish with a pop of green and herbal freshness.
Italian dressing: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade—either makes the salad sparkle with tangy zest.
Salt and pepper: To taste, because the little things make a big difference in the finished flavor.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This keeps the pasta pleasantly chewy (not mushy!) and perfect for holding all the flavors. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking—this trick gives you the best base for Bow Tie Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the pasta is cooking and cooling, take a few moments to prep your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the bell peppers, slice and quarter the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. This colorful veggie medley makes each bite crunchy, sweet, and fresh.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepped vegetables, sliced black olives, and mozzarella balls or cubed cheese. The mixture will already look like a celebration!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until every leaf and noodle glistens. Add salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this final seasoning step, as it brings all the other flavors into harmony. Bow Tie Pasta Salad is all about balance!

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors mingle and the dressing soak in, so your salad will taste even better when served.

How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Top your Bow Tie Pasta Salad with a final flourish of fresh parsley, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of shaved Parmesan. For a real wow factor, a few extra mozzarella pearls or a scattering of toasted pine nuts over the top bring an extra-special touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty garlic bread, grilled chicken, or herbed tofu for a more complete meal. It’s also a wonderful companion to burgers, kebabs, or a simple roasted veggie platter—making it the ultimate party “plus one.”

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual mason jars for a portable picnic treat, pile it high in a big wooden bowl to show off those beautiful colors, or arrange smaller portions in lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer. However you serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad, it’s bound to steal the spotlight and invite second helpings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Bow Tie Pasta Salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, though you might want to toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh veggies and cheese don’t thaw well. The textures can change, and the freshness just isn’t the same—so enjoy it fresh and make only what you’ll savor within a few days.

Reheating

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it closer to room temp, just pull it from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving and give it a quick toss to wake up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Bow Tie Pasta Salad the day before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to blend even more deeply. Just store it covered in the fridge, and wait until just before serving to add the parsley garnish for the freshest look.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Rinsing the cooked pasta in cold water is key! It cools the pasta quickly and stops the cooking process, which helps prevent sticking. Tossing it with a tiny drizzle of dressing before adding the rest of the ingredients can also help.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! While bow tie pasta is the classic choice for this salad, rotini, penne, or shells also hold up beautifully and catch the dressing just as well. Feel free to use what you have on hand.

Are there protein add-ins for a heartier salad?

Yes, for extra staying power you can add grilled chicken, slices of salami, or a scoop of chickpeas. These make the Bow Tie Pasta Salad even more satisfying as a main dish.

What’s the best way to transport this salad for picnics?

Pack the salad in a tightly sealed, spill-proof container and keep it chilled in a cooler. Stir before serving, and add a little extra dressing if it seems dry after transport—easy, tasty, and picnic-perfect!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, colorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the answer every single time. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to for every gathering—give it a try and let your table shine!

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish. Packed with vibrant veggies, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)

Veggies:

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (sliced and quartered)
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1 cup bell peppers (chopped, any color)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced)

Cheese and Herbs:

1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Dressing and Seasoning:

3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the bow tie pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and mozzarella. Add the dressing and season with salt and pepper.
Chill and Serve: Garnish with parsley, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.