Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch or dinner side. The bow tie-shaped pasta adds a playful touch to the salad while providing the perfect base for fresh vegetables, tangy dressings, and flavorful add-ins like cheese or protein. This recipe balances crisp textures with bold flavors, creating a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing salad ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the pasta cools, prep the vegetables by slicing the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumber, slicing the red onion, and slicing the olives. Set them aside.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Chill and Serve:
   Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra parsley or feta if desired.

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies to turn it into a main course, or keep it simple as a refreshing side!