Are you looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish or a light yet satisfying meal? Look no further! This bow tie pasta salad recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, a potluck, or simply need a quick and healthy dinner idea, this recipe is perfect for you. It's one of those delicious dishes that's just as enjoyable cold as it is at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prepping. Get ready to discover the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet elegant pasta salad!
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable; adjust ingredient quantities based on the number of servings you need.
- 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives. Chop the fresh parsley.
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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 or pepper can make all the difference!
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Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious pasta salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute feta with mozzarella, parmesan, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it Ahead: This pasta salad is even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and those looking for the best recipes. It's a great example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this versatile and flavorful bow tie pasta salad!