Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is the ultimate celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors packed into a single colorful bowl. With its al dente bow tie pasta, crisp vegetables, savory slices of pepperoni, and chunks of cheese, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, every bite delivers a burst of satisfaction. It’s a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for warm-weather meals or entertaining guests at backyard barbecues.

The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its versatility—whether you’re prepping it for a quick lunch, serving it at a potluck, or looking for a make-ahead dinner side, it fits every occasion. The contrasting textures—from the crunch of cucumbers and bell peppers to the chewiness of pasta and the creamy richness of cheese—make it not only delicious but irresistibly enjoyable.

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Ingredients for this Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad

• 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (yellow or red), diced
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin 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. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Toppings

While the pasta is cooking, chop all the fresh ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, cube the mozzarella, slice the red onion if using, and roughly chop the parsley. Have your black olives and pepperoni slices ready to go.

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Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with all the chopped vegetables, cheese, olives, and pepperoni. Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

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Step 4: Dress and Season

Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture and toss again to coat everything well. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of dressing depending on your preference—some like it generously coated, others lighter.

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Step 5: Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Give it a quick toss before serving, and garnish with extra parsley if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 1-cup serving (based on 8 servings total):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad in advance?

Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just stir before serving and add a bit more dressing if needed.

2. What can I use instead of pepperoni?

Try salami, prosciutto, grilled chicken, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.

3. What dressing works best?

Zesty Italian dressing is ideal, but homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs also works beautifully.

4. Can I use different pasta?

Absolutely. Rotini, penne, or fusilli are great alternatives if you don’t have bow ties on hand.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

Not by default. But you can substitute with gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Try adding broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or spinach to increase the veggie factor.

7. How do I keep the salad from drying out?

Stir in extra dressing just before serving to revive moisture if it’s been chilled for a while.

8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and is easy to portion out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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