Here’s a fresh and delicious recipe for Bowtie Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or just as a comforting side dish. This pasta salad is packed with flavor from the dressing, fresh veggies, and tender pasta.
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbs italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until tender.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and optional cucumber and parsley.
- Pour half of the dressing (the other half should be used when ready to serve) over the pasta and veggies.
- Toss gently to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Chill and Serve:
- For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, pour remaining dressing (or enough dressing for individual servings) over chilled salad and toss to coat.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, peas, or corn for extra flavor and crunch. You can also toss in some fresh greens like spinach or arugula for added freshness.
- Protein Boost: To make the salad heartier, you can add some chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a protein boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
This Vegan Bowtie Pasta Salad is easy to prepare, packed with vibrant veggies, and topped with a flavorful dressing. It’s a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own!
