Craving a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer picnic? Look no further than this easy Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad! This recipe boasts a delightful combination of perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, juicy sun-dried tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and salty Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The best part? It requires minimal prep time and comes together in a flash, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes and enjoy a taste of Italy without the fuss. This salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
The bright, tangy dressing perfectly complements the other ingredients, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation. Ready to create this delicious pasta salad? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will have you enjoying this culinary masterpiece in minutes.
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Cooked bow tie pasta: 8 ounces
- Mozzarella pearls: 8 ounces
- Salami: 2 ounces
- English cucumber: 1/2 cup
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: 1 cup
- Red onion: 1/2
- Roasted red peppers: 1/2 jar
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice: from 1/2 lemon
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Pasta and Ingredients
- Add 8 ounces of cooked bow tie pasta to a mixing bowl.
- Add 8 oz of drained mozzarella pearls, 2 oz of chopped salami, 1/2 cup of chopped English cucumber, 1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, 1/2 of a diced red onion, and 1/2 jar of chopped roasted red peppers.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
Step 3. Combine and Toss
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined.
Step 4. Season and Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Read more: Sicilian Penne with Cauliflower: A Flavorful Mediterranean Dish
Tips
- Cook the bow tie pasta before starting.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What can I substitute for the sun-dried tomatoes?
Regular cherry tomatoes or even chopped roasted red peppers would work well as substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
This Easy Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to summer barbecues. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing pasta salad!