Ingredients
– 12 oz bow tie pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
– ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
– ½ cup black olives, sliced
– 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
– ½ cup Italian dressing
– ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Creating Bow Tie Pasta Salad is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
4. Add Cheese: Gently fold in the mozzarella balls, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed based on your preference.
7. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
8. Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil for an added touch of flavor and color.
Following these steps will guide you in creating a truly incredible Bow Tie Pasta Salad that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make the salad more filling. This turns your Bow Tie Pasta Salad into a complete meal.