Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipes – With Chicken, Grapes, Creamy Ranch Dressing, More…
Bowtie pasta salad isn’t just a casual picnic dish—it’s a blank canvas for all kinds of flavors.
With its fun shape and tender bite, bowtie (or farfalle) pasta is ideal for soaking up dressings and cradling crisp veggies, sweet fruits, or savory proteins.
Start by boiling the pasta just until al dente—firm to the bite. Once drained and cooled under cold water, it’s ready to pair with your favorite salad fixings.
Toss in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, crumbled cheese, and a bold dressing, and you’ve got yourself a star side dish or even a light meal.
This salad is best when chilled for 30 minutes so all the flavors marry together.
Use what’s in your fridge, adjust for your diet, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether you’re prepping for a family BBQ or a light dinner, this pasta salad has got you covered.
Quick Overview
—| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Salad / Side | American / Mediterranean | 4–6 |
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Ingredients with Serving Options
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | Alternatives / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowtie pasta | 1 cup | 2 cups | Use rotini or penne if needed |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1/2 cup | 1 cup | Grape or Roma tomatoes work too |
| Cucumbers (diced) | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | Zucchini or bell pepper as options |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | 2 tbsp | 1/4 cup | Green onions or shallots work too |
| Feta cheese | 1/4 cup | 1/2 cup | Omit for dairy-free or use vegan feta |
| Italian dressing | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | Use ranch, mayo, or yogurt-based dressings |
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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives)
- Medium saucepan – or electric pasta cooker
- Strainer – or colander
- Knife & cutting board – or vegetable chopper
- Large salad bowl – or deep mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar with lid – to mix dressings
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How to Make Bowtie Pasta Salad (Step by Step)
Here is the main process.
Step 1: Boil and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and pour in your bowtie pasta. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente—not too soft.
Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a colander to air dry a bit before mixing.
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Veggies
While the pasta cools, dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion. If using feta, crumble it and store it in the fridge until ready to toss.
Drain and rinse canned ingredients (like corn or beans) thoroughly to reduce excess salt.
Step 3: Make Your Dressing
In a small bowl, combine Italian dressing with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
For a creamy version, mix half mayo and half Greek yogurt with a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano.
Shake or whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, feta, and any extra mix-ins like olives or grilled chicken.
Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything together, making sure each piece is coated without breaking the pasta.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dressing to soak in and gives the flavors time to develop.
Toss again just before serving, and add fresh herbs or a final drizzle of dressing if desired.
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Variations to Try
Lets try some variations.
1. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Spinach
This green-loaded salad is a nutritious twist. Add fresh baby spinach leaves just before serving so they stay crisp. Cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta pair beautifully.
Cooking Tip: You can sauté spinach lightly with olive oil and garlic for a warm variation.
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2. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Grapes
Sweet and savory in perfect balance. Halve red or green seedless grapes and mix with pasta, diced celery, green onions, and a light yogurt dressing. Feta or goat cheese adds a creamy tang.
Cooking Tip: For extra crunch, chill the grapes beforehand and fold them in at the end.
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3. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Chicken
Add protein by folding in grilled, shredded, or baked halal chicken. Pair it with corn, red bell peppers, and a mayo-yogurt or ranch dressing.
Cooking Tip: Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Dice or shred finely to mix well with pasta.
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4. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Feta
Feta brings a tangy, creamy element. Combine pasta with tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. Ideal for a light Mediterranean-style meal.
Cooking Tip: Use block feta and crumble it yourself—it has better flavor than pre-crumbled.
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5. Greek Bowtie Pasta Salad
Inspired by traditional Greek salad, this version includes red onion, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. Toss it in olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Cooking Tip: Marinate red onions in lemon juice before adding—they’ll mellow and add depth.
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6. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Corn
Grilled or roasted corn gives this version a smoky-sweet bite. Mix with diced bell peppers, chopped cilantro, and a light lime dressing.
Cooking Tip: Char corn kernels in a dry skillet or over a grill pan for best flavor.
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7. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Broccoli
Perfect for meal prep or a hearty side dish. Use lightly steamed or roasted broccoli florets. Add shredded carrots and a light vinaigrette or creamy mayo-based dressing.
Cooking Tip: Steam broccoli for just 2–3 minutes to maintain crunch and bright color.
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8. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Mayo
A creamy, comforting version often loved by kids. Combine with celery, red bell pepper, shredded cheese, and a little Dijon mustard. Add a squeeze of lemon for balance.
Cooking Tip: Mix mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter texture.
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9. Bowtie Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing
Ranch lovers will enjoy this simple twist. Use halal ranch dressing and add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Garnish with fresh dill or chives.
Cooking Tip: Chill dressing before mixing to help it cling better to the pasta and veggies.
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Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Refresh with a little extra dressing before serving leftovers.
- Don’t freeze—pasta and vegetables will lose texture.
- Add fresh herbs right before serving to keep flavor vibrant.
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Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pasta is overcooked | Cook just to al dente and rinse with cold water |
| Flavor is flat | Add lemon juice, fresh herbs, or more salt to brighten it up |
| Salad dries out after chilling | Stir in a bit more dressing before serving |
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Extra Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water well—it’s your first chance to add flavor.
- Don’t skip rinsing the pasta; it cools it quickly and prevents sticking.
- Use colorful vegetables for visual appeal.
- Add soft herbs like parsley or dill just before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and use olive-oil based dressings.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a day before. It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours.
Q: What’s the best way to make it creamy?
A: Try adding Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayo to part of the dressing.
Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: It’s best served cold, but you can skip chilling if you prefer it room temperature.
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Bowtie Pasta Salad
A colorful and refreshing bowtie pasta salad loaded with crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked bowtie pasta – use gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) – grape tomatoes or diced Roma also work
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets – use roasted zucchini or bell peppers
- 1/2 cup canned corn – grilled or frozen corn (thawed) are fine
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – use vegan feta or shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper – yellow or green bell pepper also work
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced) – shallots or green onions can be used
- 1/2 cup baby spinach (chopped) – arugula or kale can be added too
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes (halved) – pomegranate or apple slices work too
- 1/2 cup ranch or mayo dressing – Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version
- 2 tbsp olive oil – avocado oil or lemon vinaigrette
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – or 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano – or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, chop tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, grapes, and spinach.
Lightly steam or roast the broccoli if using raw.
Mix the Dressing
In a bowl or jar, whisk together ranch or mayo dressing, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, grapes, corn, and feta. Pour dressing over and gently mix until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions
- Add grilled halal chicken or chickpeas for protein
- Best served chilled but also works slightly warm
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Do not freeze—texture will not hold after thawing
- Great as a make-ahead lunch or picnic side dish
Let’s Make and Share!
This bowtie pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or easy meal prep.
Try your favorite variation—maybe the feta and corn one or the chicken and spinach combo—and tell us how it went.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and custom twists in the comments below!
