Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad for Easy Lunch and Dinner
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a chilled pasta dish made with farfalle pasta, fresh vegetables, protein, cheese, and a seasoned Italian-style dressing, ideal for meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced salami or grilled chicken, chopped
1/2 cup mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water, then allow to cool completely.
- Prepare vegetables, protein, and cheese by chopping and slicing as needed.
- Combine pasta, vegetables, protein, olives, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Add basil and Parmesan, mix gently, then chill before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and add a small amount of olive oil or vinegar if needed to adjust consistency.