Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine than with a light, refreshing, and incredibly delicious cold pasta salad? This recipe uses delightful bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, to create a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. It's one of those easy recipes that's both healthy and satisfying, making it a winner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside to drain completely. This ensures your pasta salad stays delightfully chilled and prevents a soggy mess.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Chopping everything in advance makes assembly a breeze.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A little extra salt and pepper can go a long way.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key to a truly delicious cold pasta salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Different Cheese: Substitute the feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or provolone.
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
- Make it Ahead: This pasta salad is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 4-5g
This bow tie cold pasta salad is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a delightful addition to any summer gathering, and its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know what variations you try!