Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad

Featured in Fresh and filling salads.

This Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with a medley of Italian-inspired ingredients including salami, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, artichoke hearts, and fresh vegetables. The homemade dressing features extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard with a touch of honey and red pepper flakes for balanced flavor. What makes this salad special is its make-ahead convenience - it actually improves when chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. The recipe is easily customizable and can be adapted for dietary preferences, including dairy-free and vegan options by omitting or substituting the cheese and meats.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:17 GMT
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad pin it
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad | myhomemaderecipe.com

A perfect Italian pasta salad combines al dente bow ties with crisp vegetables and savory meats in a bright, herb-infused dressing. This make-ahead masterpiece proves that sometimes the best dishes are the ones that get better with time in the fridge.

After countless potlucks and family gatherings, I've discovered that the secret to exceptional pasta salad lies in treating each ingredient with intention, not just tossing everything together.

Essential Ingredients

  • Bow Tie Pasta: Holds up better than other shapes, especially when gluten-free
  • Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: They absorb dressing better than block cheese
  • Pepperoni: Cut from a stick for chunkier, more satisfying bites
  • Quality Salami: Adds depth and savory flavor
  • Fresh Tomatoes: Choose firm ones that won't water down the salad
  • Crisp Cucumbers: Provide essential crunch
  • Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Bring briny complexity
  • Italian Dressing: Homemade offers the best flavor control

Detailed Instructions

Pasta Preparation (10-12 minutes):
Bring large pot of well-salted water to boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spread on baking sheet to cool completely. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Ingredient Preparation (10 minutes):
Cut pepperoni into 1/2-inch chunks. Slice salami into bite-sized pieces. Halve tomatoes (or quarter if large). Cut cucumbers into half-moons. Drain artichoke hearts and quarter if needed. Pat mozzarella pearls dry with paper towels.
Dressing Creation (5 minutes):
Whisk together olive oil and vinegar. Add Italian seasonings and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let stand for flavors to meld.
Assembly Process (8-10 minutes):
Place cooled pasta in extra-large bowl. Add prepared meats and vegetables. Pour dressing over gradually while tossing. Fold gently to avoid breaking pasta. Reserve some dressing for refreshing later.
Final Steps:
Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate minimum 2 hours. Toss gently before serving. Add extra dressing if needed. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad pin it
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad | myhomemaderecipe.com

My breakthrough moment with this recipe came when I started treating the pasta salad like a fine wine - it needs time to develop its flavors. Letting it rest overnight transforms it from good to exceptional.

Customization Options

Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad pin it
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad | myhomemaderecipe.com
  • Roasted red peppers for sweetness
  • Pickled pepperoncini for heat
  • Diced red onion for sharp bite
  • Green olives for brininess
  • Fresh basil chiffonade for color and aroma

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Dry Pasta: Reserve extra dressing for refreshing
  • Bland Flavor: Add extra vinegar and seasonings when cold
  • Broken Pasta: Use gentle folding motions when mixing
  • Watery Salad: Pat all ingredients dry before adding

Make-Ahead Strategy

The key to perfect prep:

  • Cook pasta up to 2 days ahead
  • Prep vegetables the day before
  • Store components separately
  • Mix no more than 24 hours before serving
  • Reserve some fresh ingredients for last-minute addition

Storage Wisdom

  • Keep in airtight container
  • Store at proper refrigeration temperature
  • Will maintain quality for up to 4 days
  • Never freeze
  • Save extra dressing for refreshing

This Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad has become my go-to for everything from casual picnics to elegant gatherings. It reminds us that sometimes the simplest dishes, when made with care and quality ingredients, become the most memorable. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or light meal, it proves that good food doesn't need to be complicated to be exceptional.

Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad pin it
Easy Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook pasta longer than al dente?
Cooking the pasta two minutes over al dente ensures it stays tender when chilled.
→ How long can I store this pasta salad?
It keeps well for 4-5 days in the refrigerator when properly covered.
→ Can I make this salad ahead?
Yes, it's best made ahead and chilled for at least 2 hours or overnight.
→ How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
→ Why use English cucumber?
English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them ideal for salads.

Easy Italian Bow Tie Pasta

A hearty Italian pasta salad loaded with meats, cheese, vegetables and herbs in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 16 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 12 oz (340g) gluten-free bow tie/farfalle pasta
02 5 oz (142g) dry or hard salami, chopped
03 8 oz (226g) pepperoni, sliced into ½-inch thick slices, then chopped
04 6 oz (170g) can black olives
05 1 large English cucumber, chopped
06 10 oz (283g) grape or cherry tomatoes
07 16 oz (453g) mozzarella pearls (or whole mozzarella cheese, chopped into ½-inch pieces)
08 2 14 oz (794g) cans artichoke hearts, drained
09 ½ cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley
10 ⅓ cup (7g) chopped fresh basil

→ Dressing

11 1 cup (240ml) extra virgin olive oil
12 ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
13 1 large garlic clove, minced
14 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
15 1 teaspoon honey
16 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
17 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Cook pasta in heavily salted water for two minutes longer than package al dente directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

Step 02

While pasta is cooking and cooling, chop all ingredients as directed.

Step 03

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.

Step 04

In a very large bowl, combine pasta with all add-ins. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Notes

  1. Keeps for 4-5 days in refrigerator when well covered
  2. Can customize add-ins to taste
  3. For dairy-free/vegan version, omit cheese and meat or use dairy-free alternatives

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Very large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella)