Can I use a different pasta shape instead of bow tie?

You can swap bow tie pasta for rotini, penne, shells, or any short noodle that holds dressing well. These shapes work nicely in cold pasta salad because they trap seasonings and small mix-ins.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

Yes, rinsing helps stop the cooking process and keeps the noodles firm. It also cools the pasta quickly, which is helpful when you're making bow tie pasta salad for a potluck or meal prep.

How do I keep pasta salad from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy pasta salad, cook the pasta to al dente, drain it well, and pat watery vegetables dry. If using creamy dressing, add a bit just before serving for the best texture.

Can I make bow tie pasta salad ahead of time?

You can make bow tie pasta salad a day ahead. The flavors improve overnight, but you may want to add a splash of dressing the next day to refresh the salad.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad – 5 Fresh Ways You’ll Absolutely Love

Description

A fresh and vibrant bow tie pasta salad made with farfalle, crisp vegetables, herbs, and your choice of creamy or vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or easy weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces bow tie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumbers
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced black or Greek olives
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced feta
1/4 cup chopped parsley or basil
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional creamy version)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional creamy version)

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
Chop all vegetables into evenly sized pieces and pat dry.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together and adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine pasta, vegetables, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl.
Toss gently until fully coated and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use the vinaigrette dressing instead of the creamy one.
Add extra fresh herbs just before serving to brighten the flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American