If you’re hunting for that one perfect crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next picnic, you simply cannot go wrong with this Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe. This salad is a burst of summer in every bite—tender bow tie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and lots of bright, zesty flavors from a lemony vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, ideal for sharing, and comes together in no time flat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just craving something fresh and easy, this Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new summer staple.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re just a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients away from a bowlful of color and flavor. Every component here plays a crucial role: from the sun-ripened tomatoes to the tangy feta and zingy homemade dressing, each bite is layered with taste and texture.

Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta) – These playful little pasta shapes hold onto the dressing and toppings, making every mouthful delightfully flavorful.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best for a pop of brightness in the vinaigrette that wakes up every ingredient.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The good stuff adds a silky richness to your dressing and ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
Whole Grain Mustard – This brings a gentle zing and texture that elevates a simple vinaigrette into something special.
Garlic, Minced – Just enough to add depth and a slight kick to the mix—don’t skip it if you love a punchy salad.
Feta Cheese, Crumbled – The salty, creamy crumbles make this salad irresistibly tangy and satisfying.
Cherry Tomatoes, Halved – Use red, or go wild with a rainbow blend for even more visual and flavorful appeal.
Basil, Sliced Thin – Fresh basil infuses a garden-like aroma and pops of green throughout the salad.
Salt and Pepper – Always to taste, these round out and highlight all of the delicious flavors in every bite.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add in your farfalle pasta. Aim for perfectly al dente noodles—just tender, but with a little bite—since overcooking will make the salad mushy. Check for doneness a minute or two before the package says. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.

Step 2: Shock and Cool the Pasta

Right after draining, rinse the hot pasta under cold running water. This “shocks” the noodles, stopping them from cooking any further and helping to firm them up. It also cools them down, which is essential for a light and refreshing Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette

In a small mixing bowl (or a handy jar with a tight lid), combine the lemon juice, olive oil, whole grain mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake briskly until everything emulsifies and the dressing is delightfully tangy and fragrant.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing or serving bowl. Pour in your homemade vinaigrette and add the crumbled feta, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly sliced basil. Gently toss everything together so every bow tie gets coated and flecked with goodies.

Step 5: Season and Marinate

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld, ensuring the Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe is truly vibrant and crave-worthy. Don’t skip the marinating—your patience will be rewarded.

How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra feta and fresh basil over the top for extra color and a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dusting of cracked black pepper or a pinch of lemon zest takes this Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe over the top.

Side Dishes

This salad is the ultimate team player. Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers for a balanced plate, or serve it alongside other picnic favorites like roasted vegetables, deviled eggs, or fresh fruit. It’s light but satisfying—basically the best backup dancer any main course could wish for!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad into individual jars or cups for easy grab-and-go portions at parties, or dish it onto a big platter with extra tomatoes and herbs for a rustic, inviting centerpiece. This Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe is also beautiful layered in a trifle bowl for a striking effect that shows off every color and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors only get better as they continue to mingle. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad since pasta and feta can become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days for the best taste and texture. If you need to plan ahead, prep the ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them before serving.

Reheating

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe is made to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to help the flavors bloom as it comes closer to room temp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can swap in any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or shells if you prefer. Just keep in mind, farfalle (“bow tie” pasta) is classic for this salad because it holds onto the dressing and cheese so well.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Go for soft fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled goat cheese as a tasty alternative. Both will add a creamy, tangy twist that complements the rest of the salad just as nicely.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Simply leave out the feta or use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitute. The salad will still be flavorful thanks to the zesty lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs.

Is the salad gluten-free?

As written, it isn’t, but just pick up your favorite gluten-free farfalle or other short pasta and prepare as usual. The rest of the Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein?

Definitely! Chopped cucumber, bell pepper, olives, grilled chicken, or chickpeas are all delicious additions. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own by adding any extras you love.

Final Thoughts

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll be asked to bring to every gathering, and you’ll be glad to oblige. It’s simple, vibrant, and endlessly customizable—basically summer in a bowl. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a favorite at your own table!