If there’s one pasta salad that instantly brings summer cookouts, picnic vibes, and big family gatherings to mind, it’s Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad. The combination of colorful vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender bow tie pasta creates a dish that feels fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve at parties or potlucks.

This recipe is a classic Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad, featuring ingredients that are easy to find, customizable, and built for maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad Is a Must-Make

There are a few reasons this pasta salad stands out:

1. Bow tie pasta holds dressing beautifully

The unique shape of bow tie pasta (farfalle) creates small pockets where the dressing clings, ensuring every bite is flavorful. The ridges and folds help trap the dressing and small bits of vegetables, so nothing slides off or feels dry.

2. It’s customizable

You can swap ingredients easily depending on what you have on hand. Want more protein? Add chicken, salami, or chickpeas. Want more crunch? Add toasted pine nuts or cucumbers. The base recipe is a perfect canvas.

3. It tastes better the next day

This pasta salad is one of those dishes that improves as it sits. Letting it chill for a few hours allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. That’s why it’s ideal for meal prep or prepping ahead for gatherings.

4. It’s vibrant and visually appealing

Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is colorful—bright tomatoes, green herbs, yellow peppers, and creamy cheese. It looks as good as it tastes, which is always a plus when you’re serving guests.

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 servings)

12 oz (340 g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional, for a more traditional Italian flavor)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Cook the bow tie pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
Prep the vegetables and cheese
While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, basil, and parsley. Slice the olives and mozzarella balls (if needed). If using pepperoni, cut it into small pieces or strips.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Combine pasta and veggies
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, mozzarella, pepperoni (if using), basil, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
Add dressing and toss
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Make sure the dressing gets into the folds of the bow tie pasta.
Add cheese and final seasoning
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Chill and serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. For best flavor, let it chill overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

1. Don’t overcook the pasta

Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in salads. Overcooked pasta becomes soft and mushy, which can ruin the texture.

2. Rinse pasta with cold water

Rinsing stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. It also cools the pasta down so the vegetables stay crisp.

3. Use fresh herbs

Fresh basil and parsley add bright, aromatic flavors. If you only have dried herbs, add 1–2 teaspoons of dried basil and parsley instead.

4. Add dressing gradually

Start with less dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s mixed in.

5. Let it rest

This salad tastes better after resting. The dressing has time to soak into the pasta and the flavors blend.

Variations to Try

1. Greek-Style Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Swap the Italian dressing for Greek dressing and add:

Feta cheese
Cucumbers
Red bell pepper
Kalamata olives

2. Protein-Packed Version

Add:

Grilled chicken
Sliced salami
Chickpeas
Tuna

3. Vegan Italian Pasta Salad

Replace mozzarella with:

Vegan cheese cubes
Roasted chickpeas
Extra vegetables (like artichoke hearts)

4. Spicy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Add:

Red pepper flakes
Hot Italian sausage
Spicy pepperoncini

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled chicken or steak
BBQ ribs
Garlic bread
Fresh garden salad
Cold cuts and cheese platters

It’s also an excellent side for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Not recommended. Pasta salad tends to get mushy after freezing due to the texture of pasta and vegetables.

Make-Ahead

Make the salad the night before for maximum flavor. The next day, toss again before serving.

Fun Facts & Italian Inspiration

The term “Italian pasta salad” is inspired by Mediterranean flavors—fresh vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and simple ingredients. While not strictly “Italian” in the traditional sense, the salad captures the essence of Italian cuisine: bright, fresh, and full of flavor.

Bow tie pasta, or farfalle, originates from northern Italy and has been a popular pasta shape for centuries. Its unique shape makes it perfect for salads, as it holds sauce and dressing better than many other pasta shapes.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a reliable, flavorful dish that fits every occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s easy, delicious, and adaptable. The best part? It gets better with time. Make it today, and enjoy a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meal tomorrow.