Description
Bursting with color and freshness, this bow tie pasta salad is a nutritious and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Featuring al dente bow tie pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta, all dressed in a zesty lemon-olive oil vinaigrette, this salad delivers a satisfying crunch and a refreshing burst of healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz Bow tie pasta (Cook according to package directions; al dente)
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes (Halved)
- 1 Cucumber (Diced seeded, if desired)
- 1 Red bell pepper (Diced)
- 1/2 Red onion (Thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Black olives (Sliced optional)
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese (Crumbled optional)
- A handful Fresh basil (Roughly chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (About 1 lemon)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
- To taste Salt
- To taste Ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
- If using, slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Roughly chop the fresh basil (and greens, if using).
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, olives, feta (if using), and fresh basil (and greens, if desired).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
-
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Feel free to add other colorful vegetables such as shredded carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—perfect for meal prep.
Enjoy your Bow Tie Pasta Salad—a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brightens up any meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
