Imagine a pasta salad so irresistible that it becomes the star of every potluck, picnic, and family gathering! Kelley's Bowtie Pasta Salad is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect blend of fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper into small, uniform pieces, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, and mozzarella balls.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian dressing and let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a more intense taste.• Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.• Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp bell peppers for maximum flavor and crunch.• For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or salami to the salad.• The pasta salad can be made a day ahead, which actually helps the flavors meld together even more. Just give it a quick stir before serving.• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use a homemade vinaigrette instead of store-bought Italian dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
