Bow Tie Pasta Italian Dressing

This bow tie pasta salad with Italian dressing bursts with color and flavor making it a favorite at summer BBQs holiday potlucks and easy family lunches. The crunchy veggies tangy dressing bites of salami and creamy mozzarella make it so craveable you will want to meal prep a batch just for yourself. Every spoonful is satisfying and refreshing perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers all week.

My whole family requests this pasta salad for every birthday picnic and I still remember the first time I made it for a neighborhood potluck and everyone asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta: Farfalle shape holds dressing in all its twists and gives great bite Use a name brand for best texture
• Zesty Italian dressing: Adds bold tang and brings everything together Homemade tastes amazing but store-bought works for busy days
• Cherry tomatoes: Brings sweet juiciness Opt for ripe firm ones to avoid mush
• Broccoli: Adds crunch and color Chop into bite-size florets Fresh is key for best texture
• Yellow bell pepper: Sweet and bright color Choose a pepper that feels heavy and glossy
• Salami: Savory and protein-rich Use a quality deli salami or your favorite variety
• Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty saltiness Grate fresh for best melt and flavor
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild Use pearls or halve larger ones for even distribution
• Black olives: Adds briny punch Look for olives that are plump with a glossy sheen
• Fresh basil or parsley: Optional but brightens the whole salad Use fragrant fresh herbs for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of water with a generous amount of salt Add the pasta and cook just until al dente about one minute under the package time Drain and immediately rinse under cold running water to cool and stop the cooking Spread on a towel or shake in the colander to remove extra water and avoid watery salad

Dress the Pasta:

Pour one cup of Italian dressing onto the still slightly warm pasta Toss gently so every piece gets coated which helps keep it from sticking and flavors every bite

Pile in the Flavor:

Add cherry tomatoes broccoli yellow bell pepper chopped salami Parmesan mozzarella black olives and fresh herbs if using Gently fold with a spatula so the veggies and cheese do not break up but everything is mixed well

Chill and Finish:

Refrigerate the entire salad for at least one hour so flavors meld and vegetables stay crisp Just before serving toss again and add more dressing if the pasta absorbed some while chilling Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

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I absolutely love how the creamy mozzarella pearls soak up the zesty Italian dressing making every bite a little cheesy and tangy My kids get so excited to snatch them out of the bowl when I am tossing everything together for dinner

Storage Tips

Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days If the pasta gets a bit dry just stir in an extra splash of dressing before serving It keeps crunch and flavor longer than mayonnaise based salads making it a top choice for making ahead

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in rotini fusilli or penne pasta if farfalle is not on hand Use turkey pepperoni or cubed ham in place of salami Try white cheddar or feta for a different cheese option Substitute kalamata olives or roasted red peppers for a twist on flavor Skip the meat and add extra veggies for a vegetarian version

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main meal with crusty bread for an easy lunch It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken sausages or as a filling side at any potluck I sometimes pack it for my kids' school lunch and they polish it off Cold pasta salad makes a welcome addition to picnics BBQs or holiday spreads

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Cultural Notes

Italian style pasta salads are a beloved tradition at American cookouts and their roots can be traced to family style feasts in Italian American homes It is a versatile dish that blends hearty pasta with flavors you might find at an Italian deli like salami fresh cheeses bold dressings and crunchy vegetables

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Rinse cooked pasta under cold water right after draining and shake off excess water before mixing with the dressing.

→ Can I replace the salami?

Yes, you can swap salami for turkey, ham, or even grilled chicken, or omit for a vegetarian option.

→ What type of Italian dressing works best?

Both store-bought and homemade zesty Italian dressing blend well; choose according to your taste preference.

→ How long should the pasta salad chill?

For best flavor, chill for at least 1 hour before serving so the pasta absorbs the dressing and the flavors meld.

→ Do I need to add herbs?

Adding fresh basil or parsley brightens the salad, but it's optional if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.