Bursting with color and Mediterranean flair, Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is a spirited medley of tender pasta, crisp fresh veggies, zesty dressing, and savory bits of cheese and salami, all tossed together in a bowl that begs to be shared. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weekday lunches, this salad manages to be both hearty and refreshing in every bite. With each forkful, you’ll taste a delicious balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to an Italian piazza, no matter where you’re dining.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad couldn’t be easier, but every ingredient plays a starring role. Classically Italian and universally loved, these picks combine for maximum flavor, crunch, and color—guaranteeing a salad you’ll want to make again and again.

Bow tie (farfalle) pasta: The star shape and firm bite make this the perfect pasta for holding onto dressing and veggies.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color in every serving.
Cucumber: Offers a cool, crisp crunch that keeps the salad fresh and light.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, subtle bite and brilliant red pops for eye-catching appeal.
Kalamata olives: Their briny flavor and deep purple color punch up the Mediterranean personality.
Red onion: Sliced thin for just the right sharpness and color contrast.
Salami: Cubed small to sprinkle little savory, meaty moments throughout the salad.
Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Soft, creamy bites that add a touch of richness and balance the zestiness.
Italian dressing: Use homemade or your favorite store-bought version for plenty of herby zing that ties the whole salad together.
Parsley (fresh): Chopped and used as a bright, fresh finishing touch.

How to Make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Keep an eye on the timer—you want the noodles firm enough to hold their shape but tender enough to soak up all the flavors. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Add-Ins

While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the red onion thinly, slice or quarter the kalamata olives if needed, cube the salami, and halve the mozzarella balls. Having everything cut into bite-sized pieces ensures perfect flavor distribution and easy munching.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, all the chopped veggies, salami, olives, and mozzarella balls. Pour on the Italian dressing, ideally starting with about three-quarters of the amount, and toss gently but thoroughly. Then add more dressing if desired—enough to coat every component without turning the salad soupy.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour, or up to 4. This resting period lets the flavors mingle and deepen, and the pasta will soak up some of that delicious Italian dressing. Gently stir before serving and taste for seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or a splash more dressing if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley all over for a burst of green and added freshness. Enjoy the Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad slightly chilled or at room temperature, allowing every bright, herby, and savory note to shine.

How to Serve Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Give your Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad a final flourish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley, extra mozzarella pearls, or a few extra slices of salami on top. For even more Italian flair, consider a dusting of finely grated parmesan and a scattering of cracked black pepper. These little touches not only add flavor but make the dish look totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic all-in-one, but it’s also right at home alongside a variety of main courses. Serve it next to grilled chicken, lemony fish, juicy burgers, or a spread of other Italian favorites like garlic bread and roasted vegetables. Its cool tang is especially welcome with anything hot off the grill.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or picnics, serve your Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad in a big, colorful bowl or individual mason jars for a portable twist. You can even skewer key ingredients onto toothpicks and arrange them over a platter of pasta, creating eye-catching antipasto-pasta mashups for people to grab and nibble. Don’t be afraid to play with the presentation to match your occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it sits overnight, you may want to freshen it up with a bit more dressing and a sprinkle of parsley before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb dressing as it chills.

Freezing

While pasta salads like this one don’t freeze well due to texture changes—the fresh veggies and cheese become watery or grainy when thawed—it’s best enjoyed within a few days. For longer storage, prepare only the pasta and keep other ingredients ready in the fridge to combine fresh.

Reheating

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so you can skip reheating altogether! If you must bring it up to room temp quickly, let the salad sit on the counter for about 30 minutes and give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta gives this salad its signature look, rotini, penne, or even fusilli work just as well. The key is to choose a shape with plenty of surface area for dressing and toppings to cling to.

Is this salad vegetarian?

As written, Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad includes salami, but it’s easy to keep it vegetarian. Simply omit the salami or substitute with marinated tofu, chickpeas, or extra mozzarella and olives for lots of flavor and protein.

What Italian dressing is best?

Homemade Italian vinaigrette is fantastic if you have the time—just whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, mustard, Italian herbs, and a touch of honey. Otherwise, any trusted store-bought Italian dressing will do the trick. Choose one with a bold, tangy flavor for the best results.

How far in advance can I make Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad?

Feel free to assemble the salad up to 24 hours ahead of serving. In fact, letting it rest for several hours enhances the flavors! Just save a bit of dressing to stir in right before serving so it stays fresh and moist.

Can I add more veggies or swap ingredients?

Definitely! Roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, blanched asparagus, or even spicy pepperoncini can be tossed in for added flavor and color. Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad is endlessly flexible, so use what you love best.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad. With its crisp veggies, zesty dressing, and playful pasta, it’s guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Gather your favorite ingredients and give this vibrant salad a try—your next meal just got a whole lot more exciting!

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad Recipe