Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipes and Tips

One of my favorite warm-weather memories always involves a big, colorful bowl of Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad sitting on the picnic table, its zesty aroma promising a fresh and delicious adventure. This recipe has been a household classic for years, not just because of its bright flavors but because it’s ridiculously easy to throw together on a busy day. The magic of this Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is in its balance—tangy, savory, with just the right crunch and chew. Using bow tie pasta makes every bite a little playful, with those charming “wings” catching bits of dressing and herbs so the flavor really sticks. If you want a crowd-pleaser that feels vibrant and homemade without any fuss, this is your go-to.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: The Why & Ingredients

• 8 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled if preferred
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella
• 1/2 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional, for a meaty touch)
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Why do I swear by these ingredients? Bow tie pasta holds the perfect al dente bite that doesn’t get soggy or mushy when chilled, which is a deal breaker for pasta salads. Juicy cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and color, while cucumbers add that cooling crunch. The salty olives and onions deepen the flavor punch, and the mozzarella provides creamy, mild contrast that balances the tangy Italian dressing. Using Italian dressing instead of a heavy mayo-based one keeps this salad light but flavorful. The fresh herbs—basil and parsley—give it an herbaceous brightness that makes every mouthful sing. A touch of garlic powder enhances depth without overpowering, and salami is my personal cheat when I want something a little meatier without cooking ahead. Parmesan sprinkles on top just tie the whole dish together with that nutty, umami finish.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipes and Tips

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Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad recipes to satisfy your taste buds and easy tips to make every bite flavorful and fresh

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup diced cucumber, peeled if preferred

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 cup mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella

1/2 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional, for a meaty touch)

1/4 cup fresh chopped basil

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

1 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

While the pasta cools, prep all veggies and mix-ins: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice olives, chop onion, roughly chop basil and parsley. Slice mozzarella balls in half if using.

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared veggies, mozzarella, and optional salami. Toss gently to start distributing ingredients.

Add Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so the dressing coats every bit of pasta and veggies.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and fold it in softly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.

Notes

A bright, easy-to-make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad combining bow tie pasta, fresh veggies, mozzarella, salami, and Italian dressing for a tangy, savory, crunchy summer staple.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; your pasta should still have a little bite. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Toss with a little olive oil to keep the pieces from sticking.
2. While the pasta cools, prep all your veggies and mix-ins. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the olives, chop the onion, and roughly chop the basil and parsley. If you’re using mozzarella balls, slice them in half to integrate better with the pasta.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared veggies, mozzarella, and salami if using. Give everything a gentle toss to start distributing the ingredients.
4. Add the Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy here—toss everything together well so the dressing coats every nook of the pasta and veggies. Trust me, you want the flavor to live in those little pasta pockets.
5. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and fold it in softly to prevent it from clumping. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time lets all those vibrant flavors marry beautifully, making the salad taste like it was marinated all day.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: Tips for Success

• Don’t skip rinsing the pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking process immediately and cools the pasta so it won’t overcook and become mushy.
• Use fresh herbs: Basil and parsley can wilt fast, so chop them right before mixing to keep the salad fresh and fragrant.
• Mix the salad gently: Bow tie pasta can get squished if you’re too rough; a soft toss keeps everything intact and pretty.
• Rest before serving: Letting the salad chill for an hour or more lets the dressing flavors fully soak in and softens the bite of the onion.
• Adjust seasoning after chilling: Always taste the salad after it rests—you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper because flavors mellow in the fridge.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: Storage & Reheating

This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead and stores beautifully in the fridge. Use an airtight container and keep it chilled; it will last up to 3 days. The texture sometimes firms up a bit after a day or two, so take it out about 15 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature—that revives the flavors and softness.

I don’t recommend reheating this salad in the microwave or on the stovetop because the fresh veggies and pasta can become limp and lose their charm. Instead, you can freshen it up with a splash more Italian dressing or a quick squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it if it tastes muted after storage.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate based on typical ingredients: 

• Calories: 320 per serving (about 1 cup)
• Fat: 14 grams (mostly from the dressing and cheese)
• Protein: 12 grams (boosted by mozzarella and salami)
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams (from pasta and veggies)
• Fiber: 3 grams

Keep in mind these numbers can vary depending on exact ingredients and portions. For lighter versions, you can swap in a vinaigrette with less oil or skip the salami.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad: FAQ

Can I make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours of chilling because the flavors get a chance to mix. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle stir before serving.

What can I substitute for Italian dressing?

If you don’t have Italian dressing on hand, try mixing olive oil, red wine vinegar, a bit of Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. It’s easy to whip up, and you control the flavors perfectly.

How do I keep the pasta salad from getting soggy?

Cool the pasta thoroughly under cold water, toss with a touch of olive oil, and avoid overdressing it. Also, add salt and seasoning after chilling if needed. These little steps help maintain a fresh texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Swap mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it, and use a vegan Italian dressing. You can add chickpeas or marinated tofu for a protein boost instead of salami.

What’s the best type of pasta for this salad?

Bow tie pasta works perfectly because the shape holds dressing and ingredients well without getting mushy. Other shapes like rotini or penne are good, too, if you want a substitute.