Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure! This Bowl of Bows Pasta Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for the recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Italian-inspired salad combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing that will make every bite an unforgettable moment.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and sliced black olives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and fold in gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients – especially extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables – to elevate the overall taste.
- Feel free to customize by adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
