Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad – The Perfect Summer Side Dish
When the weather warms up and outdoor gatherings begin, nothing completes the table quite like a vibrant Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this cold pasta salad is the ultimate summer pasta salad recipe for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
Made with tender farfalle (bow tie pasta), juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s refreshing yet satisfying, simple yet elegant — the kind of recipe that disappears quickly at any gathering.
If you’re searching for an easy picnic side dish that can be made ahead, travels well, and tastes even better the next day, this Italian bow tie pasta salad is your answer.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This isn’t just another cold pasta salad — it’s balanced, vibrant, and full of texture.
- Bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors
- Perfect make-ahead recipe
- Easy to customize
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Holds up well for outdoor events
- Vegetarian-friendly
Unlike heavy mayo-based salads, this cold Italian pasta salad uses a light olive oil and vinegar dressing that enhances the ingredients without overpowering them.
What Is Farfalle?
Farfalle is the Italian word for “butterflies,” referring to the pasta’s signature bow tie shape. Its pinched center and flared edges make it perfect for holding onto dressings and small ingredients.
This shape is ideal for pasta salad because:
- It catches herbs and seasoning in the folds
- It provides a satisfying bite
- It looks beautiful and playful in presentation
The combination of shape and texture makes farfalle pasta salad both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, cucumber, olives, red onion, and basil.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain and cool.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together.
- Combine pasta with vegetables and mozzarella.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
The Secret to Perfect Pasta Salad
1. Cook Pasta Al Dente
Overcooked pasta becomes mushy after refrigeration. Cook until just tender with a slight bite.
2. Salt the Water Generously
Properly seasoned pasta makes a huge difference in overall flavor.
3. Let It Marinate
This salad improves after chilling. Thirty minutes is good — a few hours is even better.
4. Refresh Before Serving
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving.
Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about this Italian bow tie pasta salad is how customizable it is.
Add Protein
- Grilled chicken
- Salami or pepperoni
- Chickpeas
- Tuna
Add More Vegetables
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Make It Creamy
Add a spoonful of pesto or a splash of creamy Italian dressing.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced pepperoncini.
Why This Is the Perfect Summer Side Dish
Summer cooking is all about ease and freshness. This pasta salad:
- Doesn’t require reheating
- Can be prepared ahead of time
- Tastes refreshing cold
- Travels well
- Pairs with grilled foods beautifully
It complements burgers, grilled chicken, seafood, and even vegetarian mains.
Serving Ideas
Serve this easy picnic side dish alongside:
- Grilled vegetables
- Lemon herb chicken
- Burgers or sliders
- Garlic bread
- Caprese skewers
It’s also perfect as a light lunch on its own.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving.
- Add a splash of olive oil if it appears dry.
Because it contains no mayonnaise, it’s safer for outdoor gatherings — though it should still be kept chilled until serving.
Nutritional Benefits
This pasta salad provides:
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Fresh vegetables rich in vitamins
- Calcium from mozzarella
- Balanced carbohydrates for energy
It’s lighter than creamy pasta salads but still satisfying and filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free farfalle pasta.
Can I freeze pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as vegetables and cheese change texture.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is vibrant, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of dish that feels at home at a backyard barbecue, picnic blanket, or holiday gathering. With its colorful vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and bright Italian dressing, it’s everything you want in a summer pasta salad recipe.
Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal staple.
