Ever caught a whiff of a fresh, vibrant pasta salad that instantly lifts your mood? 🍅🥗

This Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad is not just another side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and color that will have your taste buds dancing! Ideal for any occasion, from casual barbecues to holiday dinners, this salad is quick, easy, and bursting with freshness. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Why make this recipe

Let’s talk convenience, shall we? This pasta salad checks all the boxes:

Easy cleanup: Just toss everything in one bowl and you’re golden!
Affordable and nutritious: These ingredients are budget-friendly and packed with vitamins, making it a win-win for your wallet and your health.
Family-friendly: Kids will love the fun bow tie shapes, and no one can resist those colorful veggies. Seriously, who could say no to pasta?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Here’s what you’ll need for this lively salad:

8 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color you like!)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Making this pasta salad is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how to bring it all together:

Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to make Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad (Overview)

Let’s simplify this! Start by boiling the pasta until al dente and letting it cool. While it’s doing its thing, chop up those colorful veggies. Mix everything together in a bowl, whip up a quick dressing, and combine. Don’t forget to chill it for a while so those flavors can party together — patience is a virtue! Pro tip: If you want extra flavor, let it chill overnight. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

How to serve Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This salad doesn’t just look fabulous; it tastes extraordinary too! Serve it as a bright centerpiece at your next potluck or dinner. Pair it with grilled chicken for some protein or enjoy it as a light, vegetarian meal. The crunch from the veggies combined with the creamy feta creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. Seriously, it’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach! 🌿✨

How to store Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Got leftovers? No worries! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Feel free to enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature. Making it ahead of time? You’ll only improve the flavors! Just remember, it’s not suitable for freezer storage — the texture won’t survive.

Tips to make Colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Here are my insider tips for crafting the perfect pasta salad:

Cook the pasta perfectly: Aim for al dente — it holds up better when mixed with dressing.
Customize your veggies: Toss in whatever fresh veggies you have on hand; zucchini or carrots work great too!
Don’t skip the chill time: Chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully together.

Variation

Want to shake things up? Here are two easy twists:

Make it vegan: Swap out the feta for avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have blended. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for the feta cheese?
If you’re not a feta fan, try goat cheese or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just check the package and follow the cooking instructions!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!