This refreshing bow tie pasta salad is my summer entertaining go-to, bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh cherry tomatoes, crumbly feta, and aromatic basil. The light lemon vinaigrette perfectly coats every pasta piece, making it an irresistible addition to any warm-weather gathering. It’s a beloved recipe that’s been bringing smiles to backyard barbecues and family picnics for years!
Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Salad
- Light, zesty lemon vinaigrette (no heavy mayo!)
- Perfect make-ahead dish – flavors get even better overnight
- Simple 4-ingredient dressing
- Feeds a crowd (10-12 servings)
- Versatile – works as a side or main dish
- Fresh summer ingredients that shine
- Travels beautifully to parties and picnics
I’ve always preferred pasta salads that let the ingredients shine without drowning them in heavy dressings. This recipe, which pairs perfectly with my favorite caesar pasta salad, uses a bright lemon vinaigrette that keeps everything fresh and light. The combination of tender bow tie pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What makes this pasta salad extra special is how the flavors develop over time. As it chills in the refrigerator, the pasta soaks up all that wonderful lemony dressing, becoming more flavorful with each passing hour. It’s one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day – perfect for prepping ahead for summer gatherings!
Ingredients Overview
Let me walk you through everything you need for this bright and zesty pasta salad that’s become a summer staple in my kitchen!
- Bow Tie Pasta: The star of our show! I love using farfalle (bow ties) because their little nooks catch all the delicious dressing. Plus, they’re just so cute! For best results, cook them just until al dente – they’ll continue softening slightly as they soak up the dressing.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Olive Oil: These form the base of our light vinaigrette. Always use fresh lemons here – they make such a difference! Like in my favorite sushi stack recipe, fresh citrus brings everything to life.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a tablespoon helps emulsify our dressing and adds a subtle tang. It’s one of those secret ingredients that makes people say “Mmm, what’s in this?”
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds the perfect salty bite. If you’re not a feta fan, crumbled goat cheese works beautifully too!
- Fresh Basil & Cherry Tomatoes: These bring such wonderful summer freshness. I love how they remind me of my favorite brunch quiche with their Mediterranean flair.
Success Tips & Tricks
After making this pasta salad countless times, I’ve learned a few game-changing tips:
- Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Think “salty like the sea” – this is your only chance to season the pasta from within!
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Rinse: While I usually avoid rinsing pasta, for cold pasta salads, it’s essential. A quick rinse with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents your pasta from becoming mushy.
- Make It Ahead: This salad actually gets better as it sits! The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Just save some fresh herbs to sprinkle on top right before serving.
- Dress It Warm: Toss about half the dressing with the pasta while it’s still slightly warm – it helps the pasta absorb all those amazing flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let me walk you through making this gorgeous bow tie pasta salad – it’s easier than you think! Just like my favorite homemade cheese bread, the prep work makes all the difference.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- Pro tip: Let this mixture sit while you prepare the pasta – it helps the flavors marry beautifully!
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
- Cook 1 pound bow tie pasta until al dente (about 9-11 minutes)
- Important: Don’t overcook! Nobody loves mushy pasta salad
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with:
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients
- Toss gently until everything is well combined
Recipe Variations
Just like my beloved garlic bagels, this pasta salad welcomes creative twists! Here are some of my favorite variations:
Mix-In Ideas
- Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
- Veggie Boost: Mix in cucumber, bell peppers, or marinated artichokes
- Cheese Please: Try swapping feta for mozzarella pearls or goat cheese
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- If making ahead, reserve some dressing to refresh before serving
- Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving leftovers
Looking for a zingy twist? Try adding a splash of ginger turmeric to the dressing for an immunity boost!
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Just give it a gentle toss before serving and add a splash of olive oil if needed to refresh the texture.
The key is rinsing the pasta with cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch. Just like when making my crispy copycat McDonald’s hash browns, getting the texture right makes all the difference!
While bow ties (farfalle) are my favorite for this recipe, you can absolutely use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well in the salad.
This pasta salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!
Final Thoughts
Oh my goodness, friends – this bow tie pasta salad is such a gem in my recipe collection! Every time I bring it to a gathering, people just can’t get enough of that bright, lemony dressing and those perfectly tender bow ties. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, and it’s even better the next day (if it lasts that long!). Give this recipe a try at your next summer get-together – I’d love to hear how much your family and friends enjoyed it! Happy cooking!
Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment (affiliate links)
- Large pot for boiling water
- Mixing Bowl or Jar small
- Serving Bowl large
Ingredients
- 16 ounces farfalle pasta
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 5 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 11 ounces cherry tomatoes (one pint) halved
- 6 basil leaves sliced thin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, prepare pasta until al dente.
- In a small mixing bowl or jar whisk or shake lemon juice, olive oil, mustard and minced garlic until well combined.
- Drain bow tie pasta and rinse with cold water to shock the noodles.
- In a large serving bowl, toss drained pasta with dressing, feta, cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate until serving (recommend 2+ hours to allow the pasta salad dressing to marinate the bowtie pasta).
Notes
• Bow Tie Pasta Noodles – You can use the noodle of your choice, but I like using bow tie for the prettiest pasta salad. It holds the cheese and mustard grain and looks beautiful!
• Feta – Can be substituted with any soft cheese including fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Use red or a blend of yellow, orange and red to add even more color.
• Lemon Juice – Can be substituted with white wine or white wine vinegar.
• Olive Oil – Can be substituted witch canola oil in a pinch.
Tips
• Don’t Overcook – Prepare noodles al dente. This will prevent your pasta salad from becoming mushy and toss easier. Overcooking your noodles will result in a mushier pasta salad. Nobody wants that!
• Shock Pasta – After straining noodles, rinse them with cold water to shock them.
• Cool Pasta – Allow your pasta to cool before adding the pasta salad dressing and ingredients.
• Marinate – The best pasta salads are made in advance to allow the dressing to soak into your bow tie pasta and toppings. This makes it so flavorful!
To Store
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container or covered for up to 4 days refrigerated.
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