This pasta salad mixes bow tie pasta with tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, olives, onion, parsley, and feta. The dressing is olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning. The salad chills well and holds up at parties. If you want another fall-style pasta, try Fall Harvest Pasta Salad for a different flavor.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad looks bright and tastes fresh. It uses simple vegetables and feta. You can make it fast. It works for picnics, lunches, or a side dish at dinner.
How to make Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Make the pasta first and cool it. Chop the vegetables to bite size. Mix pasta, veggies, olives, parsley, and feta in a big bowl. Whisk the dressing in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill the salad so the flavors blend.
Ingredients :
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives, parsley, and feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad
A vibrant and fresh pasta salad with bow tie pasta, colorful vegetables, and feta cheese, perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a side dish.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives, parsley, and feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, tuna, or salami. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to serve Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Serve it cold or at room temperature. It is good as a side dish or light main. Add grilled chicken or beans for more protein. Serve it with greens or another simple salad, such as Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans, for a full meal.
How to store Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Put the salad in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. If you want it fresher, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving. Do not freeze the salad; the vegetables and cheese will change texture.
Tips to make Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta al dente so it keeps shape in the salad.
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and cool it fast.
- Cut vegetables to similar sizes so each bite is balanced.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before chilling.
- Chill at least 30 minutes so flavors blend.
Variations
- Use mozzarella or goat cheese instead of feta.
- Add cooked chicken, tuna, or salami for a heartier salad.
- Swap black olives for green olives or capers.
- Use a lemon vinaigrette instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter flavor.
- Make it vegan by leaving out the cheese and using a vegan cheese alternative.
FAQs
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: It stays good for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works well.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours ahead and chill. If you make it a day ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving.
Q: Is it okay to add a lot of dressing?
A: Add just enough to coat the ingredients. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
Conclusion
This Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad is easy, fresh, and flexible. It comes together fast and fits many meals. Try it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side at your next meal.
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