Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Elly April 26, 2026 0 Comments

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 32 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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I had the pasta boiling behind me, bubbling like it was impatient. I always think I’ll multitask better than I actually do, but somehow it works out. Most days.

There’s something about bow tie pasta that feels a bit playful. It holds onto dressing in its folds, and I don’t have to fight it to get a balanced bite. That alone makes me come back to this salad again and again.

I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy. Just something cold, a little crunchy, and easy to scoop straight from the fridge later without thinking too much.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 2 cups bow tie pasta – the base that holds everything together
• 1 cup broccoli florets – adds crunch and freshness
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – for juiciness and color
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced – mild sharpness
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped – crisp texture
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced – sweetness
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced – slight bitterness for balance
• 1 cup salad dressing (creamy or mayo-based) – binds everything
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – salty depth
• 1 teaspoon sugar – softens the acidity
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – light herbal note
• Salt to taste – pulls all flavors together

How to make Bow Tie Pasta Salad?

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Step 1 – Boil the Pasta

I fill a big pot with water and add a pinch of salt, not too much. Once it starts rolling hard, the pasta goes in. I stir once so nothing sticks and then leave it alone for about 12 minutes.

I check one piece early, always. I like it soft but still with a little bite. When it’s there, I drain it fast and rinse with cold water so it stops cooking.

Step 2 – Cool It Down

I let the pasta sit in the colander longer than I should. I don’t want any warmth left, or the dressing gets weird later. Sometimes I shake it a bit to help it cool faster.

If I rush this part, I regret it. Warm pasta makes everything soggy, and I’ve learned that the hard way.

The Moment I Almost Overdid It

I once added too many tomatoes thinking more would mean better. It didn’t. The whole salad turned watery and slightly sweet in a way that felt off.

Now I keep it balanced. Enough to taste them, not enough to flood the bowl. It’s a small thing, but it changes everything.

Step 3 – Chop and Combine Vegetables

I grab a large bowl and start tossing things in as I cut them. Broccoli goes in small pieces, not too big or it feels awkward when eating.

Then tomatoes, green onions, celery, and both peppers. I don’t overthink the cuts. Slightly uneven feels more real and honestly tastes the same.

Step 4 – Make the Dressing

In another bowl, I mix the dressing with Parmesan. I stir slowly at first, then faster once it starts blending.

I add sugar, basil, and salt, tasting as I go. Sometimes I add a tiny bit more cheese if it feels flat. That usually fixes it.

Step 5 – Toss Everything Together

The cooled pasta goes into the vegetable bowl. I pour the dressing over and start mixing gently. No rushing here or the pasta breaks.

I use a big spoon and fold everything until coated. If it looks dry, I add just a bit more dressing, not all at once.

Step 6 – Chill Before Serving

I cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. At least an hour, sometimes longer if I forget about it.

That wait matters. The flavors settle, and the pasta soaks up just enough dressing to feel complete.

How It Feels When It’s Just Right

The first bite is always about texture. Soft pasta, crunchy vegetables, and that creamy coating that ties it all together.

I notice the little things – the slight sweetness from the peppers, the salt from the cheese, and the fresh snap from celery. Nothing overpowering, just steady and balanced.

If something feels off, I adjust. A pinch of salt or a quick stir usually brings it back. It’s forgiving like that.

Tips

• Don’t skip rinsing the pasta – it stops overcooking and keeps the texture right
• Cut vegetables into small, even pieces for easier bites
• Let the pasta cool completely before mixing
• Taste the dressing before adding it – adjust salt and sugar early
• Chill the salad long enough so flavors blend properly
• Stir once after chilling to redistribute the dressing
• Add a splash of extra dressing if it looks dry after refrigeration
• Keep the broccoli small so it mixes better

I usually end up sneaking a spoonful straight from the fridge later in the evening. It’s colder then, and somehow better.

And every time, I tell myself I’ll make a smaller batch next time. I never do.

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Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Boiling Cuisine: American Courses: Salad

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 12 mins Rest Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 32 mins

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 320

Best Season: Summer

Description

This vibrant and refreshing Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, potlucks, or summer gatherings. Featuring tender farfalle pasta tossed with crisp broccoli, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers, all coated in a creamy, tangy Parmesan dressing. It's easy to prepare, highly customizable, and tastes even better after chilling!

Ingredients

Servings

Pasta & Vegetables

• 1 lb bow tie pasta (farfalle) (450g)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped into small bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
• 4 green onions (sliced)

Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise (240ml)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, 50g)
• 1 tbsp white sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until tender yet firm to the bite (al dente), approximately 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well.
   Rinsing prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and sticking together.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Vegetables

   While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli into small florets. Dice the red and green bell peppers, slice the celery and green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
   Ensure vegetable pieces are roughly the same size as the pasta for even distribution.
   Mark as complete

3. Combine Pasta and Veggies

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, green onions, celery, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Toss gently to mix.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the Dressing

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   For a lighter version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
   Mark as complete

5. Dress and Chill

   Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
   This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Stir well before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 cup

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 4.5g23%

Cholesterol 15mg5%

Sodium 450mg19%

Potassium 280mg8%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 6g12%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to add cooked chicken, ham, or salami for a protein boost. You can also swap broccoli for cauliflower or add black olives for extra flavor.

Keywords: pasta salad, bow tie pasta, farfalle, summer side dish, picnic food, vegetarian, make ahead, cold pasta salad