Description
Looking for a refreshing, colorful, and satisfying dish that can be made in under 30 minutes? This Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect answer for quick lunch prep, potluck ideas, and easy dinner sides. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory pepperoni, and creamy mozzarella all tossed in a bold Italian dressing, it’s a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re searching for a healthy snack, simple food ideas, or tasty dinner ideas, this pasta salad checks all the boxes.
From the crunch of cucumbers and bell peppers to the chewy bite of al dente pasta and the tangy zing of the dressing, every forkful is bursting with personality. It’s ideal for meal prep or picnics, and it only gets better as it chills in the fridge. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare and chop all vegetables, cheese, and parsley while pasta cools.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, mozzarella, pepperoni, and red onion.
- Add chopped parsley and pour Italian dressing over the mixture.
- Toss until everything is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir and add more dressing if needed.