Get ready to transform your summer dining experience with a jaw-dropping Bow Tie Pasta Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet grapes, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tantalizing olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. This isn't just another pasta salad – it's a flavor explosion that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of bow tie pasta, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup of grapes (halved), 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and herbs. Halve the cherry tomatoes and grapes, dice the red onion, and chop the fresh basil. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain well.
- Add the cooled bow tie pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes, grapes, red onion, and basil.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Make sure the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Choose ripe, sweet grapes and cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor – the fresher, the better!
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- For extra depth, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding crumbled feta cheese as a garnish.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh red wine vinegar to elevate the dressing's taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
