Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Italian bow tie pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Balls, preferably fresh
- ½ cup Black Olives, sliced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Fresh Basil, chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- Salt and Pepper To taste
- Parmesan Cheese Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Dressing
- In a jar or a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Shake or whisk until well combined.
Mixing the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked bow tie pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, red bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Serving
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep extra dressing on the side if storing.