Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad combining bow tie pasta with fresh vegetables and mozzarella, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz bow tie pasta Cooked until al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as needed
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a pot of salted water. Once boiling, 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.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and fresh basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine and Chill
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, mozzarella balls, and dressing. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
Choose quality ingredients for better flavor. Let the salad marinate for a few hours for maximum taste. Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling dish.