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- 8 oz bow tie pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumbers, diced - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Extra fresh basil leaves - Additional feta cheese for serving This bow tie pasta salad is bright and fresh. It’s packed with colorful veggies. The main ingredients create a great mix of flavors and textures. The bow tie pasta gives it a fun shape. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while cucumbers bring a nice crunch. Bell peppers add color and a sweet bite. Red onion gives it a bit of zing, and black olives add depth. The feta cheese makes everything creamy and salty. Fresh basil ties it all together with a fragrant touch. This salad is not only tasty; it's also healthy. For the dressing, I use simple ingredients. Olive oil adds richness. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy kick. Garlic powder adds depth, while salt and pepper enhance the flavors. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add some optional garnishes for extra flair. Fresh basil leaves can brighten up the look. A sprinkle of feta on top makes it even more appealing. This bow tie pasta salad is perfect for a picnic or a family dinner. For the full recipe, check the details above and enjoy making this delightful dish! - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water bubbles, add the bow tie pasta. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time. I like to cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. - Combine chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl. - Gently mix to ensure an even distribution. While the pasta cools, chop your veggies. Use cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives. Place all the chopped vegetables in a big mixing bowl. After that, gently mix them together. This helps spread the flavors evenly. - Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything combines smoothly. This dressing adds great flavor to the salad. - Toss cooled pasta with mixed vegetables and dressing. - Fold in crumbled feta cheese carefully. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with veggies. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Use a spatula to toss everything together. Be gentle so the pasta stays intact. After mixing, fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This adds a nice creaminess. - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend together. - Present chilled salad, gently toss before serving. - Garnish with fresh basil and feta cheese. When ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. Give it a gentle toss to mix it again. Present it in a colorful bowl. You can garnish with more basil and feta cheese on top for a lovely look. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful bow tie pasta salad! For the complete steps, check out the Full Recipe. To cook bow tie pasta perfectly, start by boiling salted water. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Once done, drain the pasta. Rinsing it with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down. This step ensures your salad stays fresh. To enhance the flavor of your pasta salad, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These herbs brighten up the dish. You can also sprinkle in spices such as oregano or red pepper flakes for a kick. Experiment with different cheeses, too. Feta adds a salty bite, while mozzarella gives a creamy touch. Mixing in various cheeses can change the whole taste of the salad, making it more exciting. Serving your pasta salad in an appealing way makes it more inviting. Use a large, colorful bowl for a cheerful display. Garnish the top with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of cheese for contrast. Choose a bright serving spoon to add flair. This small touch makes a big difference in how your dish looks. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_4}} You can change up the veggies in your bow tie pasta salad. Try adding seasonal favorites like zucchini or asparagus. If you prefer, throw in some spinach or arugula for a fresh twist. To make this dish heartier, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or chickpeas work well. You can even toss in some black beans for extra fiber and taste. The dressing can make or break your salad. For a zesty kick, try a lemon vinaigrette. It's bright and refreshing! If you like creamy textures, use a yogurt-based dressing. This option gives a nice tang and pairs well with the veggies. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavor combinations. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the bow tie pasta for gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa can also work well. For a vegan twist, simply leave out the feta cheese or use a plant-based version. You can still enjoy all the flavors while sticking to your diet. Adapt the recipe to fit your needs and enjoy a delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the Bow Tie Pasta Salad . Bow tie pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to cover the salad tightly. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold, it's best to throw it away. You can freeze bow tie pasta salad, but it's not the best option. Freezing may change the texture of the pasta and veggies. If you choose to freeze it, do so before adding the dressing and cheese. This way, the pasta and veggies stay firmer. Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. Typically, you won't need to reheat bow tie pasta salad. It’s best served cold. However, if you prefer it warm, you can reheat it gently in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to help with moisture. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and heat until just warm. Enjoy your salad fresh and flavorful! You can keep bow tie pasta salad in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you see any mold or smell a sour odor, it's best to toss it out. Yes, you can add meat to your pasta salad! Grilled chicken, diced ham, or shrimp work well. These meats add flavor and protein, making the salad more satisfying. Bow tie pasta is usually not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free bow tie pasta made from rice or corn. These options work great for those on a gluten-free diet. To make the salad more filling, you can add protein like chickpeas or beans. You can also mix in avocado for healthy fats. Adding more veggies like spinach or kale boosts the nutrition too. This bow tie pasta salad combines fresh veggies, tasty feta, and a simple dressing. You learned how to make it step-by-step, including tips for flavor and presentation. Remember to chill the salad to enhance its taste. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. This dish is easy to store and still tastes great later. Enjoy making and sharing this healthy recipe!

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Brighten your meal with this delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad! Packed with colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, plus feta and fresh basil, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to easily whip it up with a simple dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Ready to impress at your next gathering? Click through for the full recipe and make mealtime a hit!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz bow tie pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumbers, diced

1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh basil. Mix gently to ensure an even distribution.

      Prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper in a small bowl until fully blended.

        Add the cooled bow tie pasta to the bowl containing the mixed vegetables. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. Using a spatula, toss the mixture gently until all components are thoroughly combined and coated with the dressing.

          Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring it remains intact and distributes evenly throughout the salad.

            Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to marry and develop, enhancing the overall taste.

              When ready to serve, present the salad chilled. Before serving, give it a gentle toss to re-mix the ingredients.

                Vorbereitungszeit, Gesamtzeit, Portionen: 15 min | 45 min | 4-6 Portionen

                  - Präsentationstipps: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of feta cheese on top for visual contrast. Consider using a vibrant serving spoon to elevate the presentation further and delight your guests!