Italian bow tie pasta salad is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine in a bowl. Bright, colorful, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that shows up at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings—and always disappears quickly. With tender farfalle pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

What makes bow tie pasta especially perfect for pasta salad is its shape. The little folds and ridges catch the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is well coated and flavorful. Combined with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of acidity, this dish strikes a balance that keeps it from feeling heavy while still being satisfying.

This Italian bow tie pasta salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, sausages, or seafood, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. It’s also a dream for meal prep—flavors deepen as it chills, making leftovers even better the next day.

Simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with crowd-pleasing flavors, this pasta salad is a timeless favorite that belongs in every home cook’s rotation.

Ingredients:

12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella pearls
0.5 cup black or kalamata olives, sliced
0.33 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Italian Dressing

0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the bow tie pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, olives, red onion, basil, and parsley to the bowl.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A vibrant Italian pasta salad made with bow tie pasta, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and zesty homemade dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

12 ounces bow tie pasta farfalle
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup mozzarella pearls
0.5 cup olives sliced
0.33 cup red onion thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Italian Dressing

0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowls
Whisk or jar with lid

Method

Cook bow tie pasta until al dente, drain, and cool.
Combine pasta with vegetables, cheese, and herbs.
Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
Toss dressing with pasta salad.
Chill before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Add protein or extra vegetables to make this salad a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Salt the pasta water generously for well-seasoned pasta.
Rinse pasta lightly—just enough to cool it without washing away flavor.
Toss pasta with dressing while slightly warm for better absorption.
Add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum aroma.

Variations

Add grilled chicken, salami, or pepperoni for a heartier salad.
Toss in roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra depth.
Swap mozzarella pearls for cubed provolone or feta.
Use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter dressing profile.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian bow tie pasta salad alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or seafood. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing make-ahead lunch.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of olive oil if needed to refresh.

FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Why does my pasta salad seem dry?
Pasta absorbs dressing as it rests—add a little extra before serving.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing?
Homemade is recommended for freshness, but bottled works in a pinch.

History / Fun Facts
Farfalle, meaning “butterflies” in Italian, originated in Northern Italy. Its playful shape makes it ideal for cold pasta salads, where dressing and mix-ins cling to every fold for balanced flavor in every bite

Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad – A Colorful Classic Bursting with Fresh Flavor