Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad
Looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s fresh, flavorful, and a breeze to whip up? Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad checks all the boxes! This Italian-inspired dish combines hearty bow tie pasta with tangy Italian dressing, salty olives, crisp cucumber, and savory salami. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family meal, this pasta salad brings bold flavors with minimal prep.
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Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find this recipe to be refreshingly simple. The ingredients are straightforward, the steps are foolproof, and you’re guaranteed a delicious dish in no time. Ready to dive into this bowl of Italian goodness?
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Why You’ll Love Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad
- Simple yet Satisfying: No fancy ingredients, just a delicious mix of Italian classics.
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve it as a main dish or a side; it’s a perfect fit for any meal.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste – add extra veggies or adjust the seasoning!
- Quick to Make: Prep is minimal, and you can have it ready in under 30 minutes.
What You Need to Make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad
You’ll need a package of bow tie pasta, diced salami, cucumber, tomatoes, a red onion, black or Kalamata olives, organic cannellini beans, shaved Parmesan, basil pesto, and Italian dressing. For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below!
How To Make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad
1
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking further. Toss it in a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside to cool.
2
Prep the Ingredients: Dice up the salami, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Drain the olives and cannellini beans.
3
Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped ingredients, shaved Parmesan, and basil pesto. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
4
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least an hour, letting the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
What’s the best pasta to use for this salad?
Bow tie pasta works well because it holds the dressing and other ingredients nicely, but any short pasta like rotini or penne will work.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for prepping ahead. Just store it in the fridge, and it will taste even better the next day.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the salami, or replace it with a vegetarian-friendly protein like chickpeas or tofu.
How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing might settle.
Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 package of Bow Tie Pasta
- Salami diced
- Cucumber peeled and diced
- Tomatoes chopped
- 1 Red onion diced
- – Black or Kalamata Olives
- 1 can Organic Cannellini Beans drained
- Shaved Parmesan
- Basil pesto
- Italian Dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, add a little olive oil, and let it cool.
- Prep Ingredients: Dice the salami, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the diced ingredients, olives, beans, Parmesan, and basil pesto.
- Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle with Italian dressing, toss well, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your Italian-inspired pasta salad!
