Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad with tender bowtie pasta, juicy tomatoes, olives, crisp vegetables, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal as a main salad or a colorful side dish.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: ~25 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup black or Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup cucumber, diced
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Italian Dressing
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, basil, and parsley.
Dress & toss
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Chill or serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
Tips & Variations
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or salami slices.
Vegan option: Skip mozzarella or use vegan cheese.
Extra flavor: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Make ahead: Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g