bow tie pasta salad with italian dressing

Bow tie pasta salad is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and perfect for summer parties, potlucks, and picnics. The combination of bow tie pasta, vegetables, and Italian dressing makes it an irresistible dish. The best part is that it can be prepared ahead of time, so you can make it in advance and simply enjoy the compliments from your guests.

This bow tie pasta salad recipe starts with a base of bow tie pasta, which is cooked until it reaches al dente. Then, a variety of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and olives, are added to the pasta. For extra flavor, a homemade Italian dressing is added to the mix. The dressing is a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.

Once the pasta and vegetables have been combined, the salad is ready to be served. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course. To serve as a main course, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad.

Ingredients

1 lb bow tie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup diced red onions
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and olives.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Serve the pasta salad at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bow tie pasta salad last?

Bow tie pasta salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It is best to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I make bow tie pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make bow tie pasta salad up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

What vegetables can I add to bow tie pasta salad?

You can add any vegetables that you like to bow tie pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives, artichokes, and mushrooms.