Salads are always at the top of my favorite things to eat. A bowl of fresh, crisp salad is my go-to for a quick bite that instantly boosts my mood! One of them is a pasta salad recipe.
While salads are perfect for a refreshing bite, they don’t make you feel full when you are hungry and craving a wholesome meal. You need something extra to turn your salad into a satisfying dish.
The farfalle, otherwise known as bow-tie pasta, is an extra hearty ingredient that can transform salad into a fulfilling dish. Tossed in with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, capsicum, feta cheese, herbs, and red onion, the pasta absorbs all the juices and creaminess to deliver delicious flavor in every bite!
And let’s not forget the key ingredient that brings everything together- the tangy and flavorful salad dressing. The oregano and garlic create a fantastic duo, complimented by a touch of sugar and a dash of lemon juice. Topped up with mixed herbs and Dijon mustard, the dressing truly brings the pasta and salad together in one delicious bowl!
Build Your Own Perfect & Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
I have combined loads of fresh salads with bow-tie pasta and a delicious salad dressing in today’s recipe. However, salads are always customizable, so make it your own with your favorite ingredients!
Here are some variations that pair well with pasta salad recipe:
Pasta
The type of pasta you use affects the taste of the whole dish. You can add various pasta, including farfalle, rotini, penne, fusilli, orzo, and mini shells. Small-shaped pasta is usually better for making pasta salads, as it is easy to mix with the other ingredients.
For health-conscious people, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is a great option. With added fiber and essential nutrients, whole wheat pasta brings a healthy boost to your meal, while gluten-free pasta helps maintain your diet without sacrificing the taste and texture of the recipe.
Salad
Salads are the most versatile ingredient in this dish as they adapt to different flavors and dressings quickly. My recipe includes cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, etc. Based on what’s available in season, you can also go for carrots, radishes, spinach, kale, avocado, and corn. You can opt for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and sweet potatoes for a more intense and caramelized flavor.
For a unique twist on your pasta salad, you can include pickled salad in this recipe. Pickled carrots, onions, jalapenos, and beets are great options for adding a bold and vibrant vibe.
Protein
Want to make your favorite salad more wholesome? Adding some protein will do it! Grilled chicken, canned tuna, cooked shrimp, and grilled steak make this salad a hearty, fulfilling meal. If you want to avoid meaty options, go for more straightforward variations like hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or tofu.
Prepare your protein ahead of time and include it in the salad while mixing other ingredients. You can also use leftover meat from other meals to save time while preparing this dish.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are an excellent way to introduce some crunchiness and nutrition to your pasta salad!
Packed with healthy fats, protein, and other essential vitamins, nuts and seeds help create a balanced and satisfying healthy meal. You can choose from a variety of options, including almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, cashews, hazelnuts, and sesame seeds.
To get a more intense flavor, toast the nuts and seeds and enjoy a crispier addition to your salad. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the nuts or seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet or pan.
For the oven method, bake the nuts or seeds for about 5-10 minutes and flip them halfway through to ensure even toasting. If you choose a pan instead, toast them for about 3-5 minutes while stirring frequently.
Fruits
You can add dried fruits or fresh fruits to your salad and balance the savory ingredients with the fruit’s natural sweetness!
Fruits add a juicy component to your salad bowls and even pair well with the crunchy texture of nuts or seeds. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits help make your salad extra nutritious. You can include fresh fruits like grapes, apples, pears, blueberries, and strawberries in your pasta salad. For the dry fruits option, you can choose raisins, dried cranberries, dried figs, dried apricots, and dried cherries.
Herbs
Last, but not least, your pasta salad may need a touch of herbal ingredients to finish it off on a good note!
To elevate the taste of your dish, garnish your salad with herbs like basil, dill, mint, thyme, parsley, or chives. Chop the herbs into bite-sized pieces and toss them with other ingredients while mixing. Choose fresh herbs over dried ones to get more flavor and juice out of them.
You can also use them as garnish by sprinkling them on the salad just before serving. For extra flavor, consider blending the herbs while preparing the salad dressing.
The Best Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For Pasta
- 1 tbsp / 18 g Salt
- 2 cups / 120 g Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta)
For Pasta Salad Dressing
- ⅓ cup / 78 ml Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp / 45 ml Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml White Vinegar
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tsp / 6 g Salt
- 1 / 18 g and 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- ½ tsp / 1 g Oregano
- ½ tsp Mixed Herbs
- 2 tsp / 10 g Dijon Mustard
- ½ tsp / 1 g Black Pepper
For Salad
- 10-12 Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
- ¼ cup Black Olives (Sliced)
- ½ medium-size English Cucumber (Diced)
- ½ cup Feta Cheese (Cubed)
- 1 small-size Capsicum (Diced)
- 1 small-size Red Onion (Sliced)
- 2 tbsp / 8 g Parsley (Chopped)
- 1 tbsp / 2 g Basil (Chopped)
Instructions
Boil The Pasta
- Take a deep cooking pot and fill it with water. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, sprinkle 1 tbsp of salt over the water to boil the pasta.
- Add 2 cups of farfalle(bowtie pasta) to the water.
- Boil the pasta for 10-12 minutes or according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and wash it with cold water. Keep the pasta aside for later use.
Prepare The Salad Dressing
- Take a mixing bowl and pour ⅓ cup of olive oil into it.
- Add 3 tbsp of lemon juice and 2 tbsp of white vinegar to the bowl.
- Using a garlic press, mince 2 garlic cloves and add them to the mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt and 1 ½ tbsp of sugar over the dressing.
- Season the mixture with ½ tsp of oregano and ½ tsp of mixed herbs.
- Add 2 tsp of Dijon mustard and ½ tsp of black pepper to the dressing.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
Peel and Slice Salad
- Take ½ medium-sized English cucumber and slice it lengthwise in half. Slice those halves again, and then dice the cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces.
- Slice 1 small-sized capsicum into thin strips and then chop the strips into small pieces.
- Cut 10-12 cherry tomatoes in half.
- Peel and slice 1 small-sized red onion into small pieces.
Combine Salad with Pasta
- In a large serving bowl, add the boiled and cooled pasta.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of sliced black olives, and the diced English cucumber.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of cubed feta cheese over the salad.
- Add the diced capsicum and sliced red onion to the mixing bowl.
- Top it with 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped basil for a burst of freshness.
Mix Salad Ingredients With Salad Dressing
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and salad.
- Using a pair of tongs, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Grab a forkful of the delicious bow-tie pasta salad and enjoy!
Video
There’s nothing more refreshing and lighter than a bowl full of pasta salad made of crunchy veggies and a yummy Italian dressing. On a hot summer day, when you don’t want a heavy meal, this salad would be the perfect dish to cool you down. Also, you can have this Italian Pasta Salad any day if you’re craving some Italian yet nutritious meal.
Thanks to the pasta and fresh salad as the main ingredients, it fills your tummy and energizes you throughout the day with a refreshing vibe!
Recipe FAQs
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
To keep the salad fresh and crisp, it’s best to store it without the dressing. Store the pasta salad recipe in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Before serving the pasta, add the dressings and give it a quick toss, then serve the best pasta salad recipe.
Can I Freeze The Pasta Salad?
No, it’s not recommended to freeze the pasta salad as the pasta might become mushy when defrosted. Freezing this salad affects the taste and texture of the overall dish.
Which Type Of Cheese Pairs Well With Pasta Salad?
In addition to the feta cheese used in this recipe, you can select any cheese of your choice, including Mozzarella, Parmesan, Gouda, and Goat cheese.
Can I Bring This Best Pasta Salad to a Potluck?
This cold pasta salad was practically made for potlucks! This pasta can be made ahead and stays fresh at room temperature for a few hours. It’s also always a crowd-pleaser.
What Can I Serve Along To Make Pasta Salad A Complete Meal?
For protein, add grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, baked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or mozzarella balls; to bulk it up, you can also toss in extra veggies available in your pantry.
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