Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with the freshness of vegetables and the richness of a creamy dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (about 340g) bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and parsley. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
- Mix: Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables or protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.
