Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Recipe Belongs in Your Meal Rotation
- The Perfect Make-Ahead Pasta Salad
- Healthy Ingredients That Don’t Compromise Flavor
- Creative Variations to Suit Your Taste
- Serving Suggestions for All Occasions
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This refreshing bow tie pasta salad is one of the best easy recipes you can have on hand. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for quick lunches, dinner recipes, or healthy meal prep. Vegetarian-friendly, colorful, and full of flavor, it’s a winning option for busy weeknights or sunny gatherings.
Why This Easy Recipe Belongs in Your Meal Rotation
Here at Patricia Universe, we love easy recipes that bring joy without the stress. This bow tie pasta salad is exactly that—fresh, filling, and simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a go-to side dish or a light main course, it ticks all the boxes. With its quick prep time and flexible ingredients, it’s one of those quick and easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Pasta Salad for Recipes for Dinner
When planning recipes for dinner, convenience matters. This pasta salad can be made in advance, making it a top contender for meal prep. Just toss everything together, let it chill, and it’s ready when you are. The flavors actually improve as it sits—ideal for busy evenings or when you’re entertaining guests.
Healthy Ingredients That Don’t Compromise Flavor
Loaded with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and tangy feta, this salad checks the “fresh and healthy” box. And because it’s one of our best easy recipes, there’s zero guilt in enjoying every bite. Olive oil and vinegar give the dressing a light, clean taste, while herbs add a punch of freshness.
Creative Variations to Suit Your Taste
Need to use what’s in the fridge? This easy recipe adapts well. Swap in mozzarella for feta, toss in some grilled chicken, or try a vegan version with dairy-free cheese. You can even pair it with butter swim biscuits easy recipes to round out your meal. It’s flexible enough to suit just about any preference.
Serving Suggestions for All Occasions
Serve it chilled as a refreshing summer side or as the centerpiece of a quick lunch. It’s perfect with chicken stirfry easy recipe leftovers or as part of a picnic spread. Because it keeps well, it’s a smart option for potlucks, BBQs, and weekday dinners alike. Pair it with cheesey potatoes easy recipe dishes to elevate a simple meal.
Notes & Tips
Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. To keep the pasta from sticking, rinse it well under cold water after cooking. Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s key to bringing the flavors together. And if you’re preparing it ahead, add the cheese just before serving for the best texture.
Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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