Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, creamy mozzarella pearls, savory salami, crunchy cucumbers, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz dry bow tie pasta
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese pearls
Meat
- 2 oz salami, chopped
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 7 oz jar roasted red pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the dry bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese pearls, chopped salami, chopped cucumber, drained diced tomatoes, chopped roasted red pepper, fresh basil, and diced red onion. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil until well blended.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill (optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad one final toss before serving. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Draining the canned diced tomatoes well prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- You can substitute salami with pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian version.
- The salad tastes even better after chilling as the flavors develop.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, bow tie pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipes, summer salad
