The Zesty Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Bow tie pasta brings a playful twist to summer gatherings with its whimsical shape and versatile charm.

Colorful vegetables and zesty dressing transform this simple dish into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance across the plate, creating a vibrant medley of flavors.

Light and refreshing, each forkful promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Crisp bell peppers, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese complement the perfectly cooked pasta.

Quick to assemble and even easier to enjoy, this salad becomes an instant hit at picnics and potlucks.

You’ll want to make extra, trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

New Ways to Remix Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Bow Tie Salad: Replace ham with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, and swap mustard for dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Bow Tie Salad: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, add black beans, and include chopped cilantro with a dash of cumin in the dressing.
• Vegetarian Garden Bow Tie Salad: Eliminate ham, increase bell peppers and green onions, add roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes, and use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Great Pairings for Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy bow tie pasta salad with a chilled sauvignon blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich mayonnaise and complements the fresh herbs.
• Crunch with Garden Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes, adding extra crispness and balancing the pasta's creamy texture.
• Complement with Chilled Rosé: Select a dry rosé wine that brings out the ham's saltiness and enhances the salad's tangy lemon and mustard notes, creating a refreshing summer meal experience.
• Cool with Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon to sparkling water to mirror the salad's citrusy profile, providing a hydrating and palate-cleansing drink that won't overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Best Storage Advice for Pasta Salad Freshness

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pasta salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Freezing Method: Avoid freezing this pasta salad as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed, compromising texture and taste.
• Reheating Technique: Consume cold straight from the refrigerator for best flavor. If you prefer warm, gently microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Texture Refresh: Before serving chilled leftovers, stir in a tablespoon of milk or additional dressing to restore moisture and revive the creamy consistency.

FAQs for Bow Tie Pasta Salad Fans

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bow tie pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells that hold dressing well.

• Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or picnics.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ham and replace it with additional vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or chickpeas for protein.

• Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?

Replace the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt, use vegan mayonnaise, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely.

What Makes Bow Tie Pasta Salad So Fun and Flavorful

• Customize Your Flavor: Swap ingredients like ham for chicken, turkey, or make it vegetarian with tofu or extra veggies, giving you endless delicious possibilities.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Boil pasta, mix dressing, and combine ingredients in minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Packed with colorful bell peppers, creamy cheese, and tangy dressing, this pasta salad will be the highlight of any gathering, from family picnics to summer parties.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, saving you time and ensuring a tasty dish that tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients You’ll Love in Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Bow Tie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides a fun and textural foundation for this salad.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Protein-rich additions that bring savory flavor and creamy texture to the dish.

• Frozen Peas, Bell Pepper, Green Onions: Colorful vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and nutritional value to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream (or Yogurt): Creamy base that provides rich and tangy flavor to the dressing.
• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Honey: Ingredients that balance the dressing with brightness, richness, and subtle sweetness.

• Parsley, Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the pasta salad.

Making Bow Tie Pasta Salad in a Few Steps

Step 1: Boil and Blanch Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil.

Drop in bow tie pasta and cook slightly longer than package directions. During the final minute of cooking, toss in frozen peas.

Drain the pasta and peas, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down quickly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Mix-Ins

• Diced ham
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped bell pepper
• Sliced green onions

Stir carefully to distribute ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving time. Before serving, you can add a splash of milk to revive the dressing’s consistency if it seems dry.

Enjoy chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Tips to Elevate Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta one minute longer than package instructions for perfect al dente texture, ensuring a slightly firmer bite.
• Rinse pasta and peas with cold water immediately after boiling to stop cooking process and preserve bright colors.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, tangier dressing that adds protein to the salad.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness, mixing just before serving to prevent soggy pasta.
• Experiment with protein variations like grilled chicken, turkey, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for diverse dietary needs.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Bow tie pasta salad brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with colorful ingredients and zesty dressing. Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables create a delightful summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) deli ham, cubed
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups (225 grams) frozen peas
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook bow tie pasta for one minute longer than package directions. During the final minute of cooking, introduce frozen peas into the water.
2. Drain pasta and peas, then rapidly cool by rinsing under cold water to halt cooking process.
3. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, chopped parsley, mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Gently incorporate cooked pasta and peas into the dressing, ensuring even coating.
5. Add diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bell pepper, and sliced green onions to the pasta mixture.
6. Carefully fold all ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to prevent pasta from breaking.
7. Seal the salad in a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Before serving, optionally stir in additional dressing or a splash of milk to restore moisture and freshness.
9. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by adding an extra minute to achieve ideal al dente texture, ensuring it’s not too firm or mushy.
• Rapidly cool pasta and peas with cold water to stop cooking process and maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Customize protein options by swapping ham with grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu for different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Enhance creamy dressing consistency by adjusting thickness with milk or additional yogurt, creating a lighter or richer sauce based on personal taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 732 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg