The Best Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This bow tie pasta salad is a creamy, colorful mix of tender pasta, fresh veggies, cheddar cheese, and a lemony homemade dressing that brings everything together beautifully. It’s bright, flavorful, and made to impress—perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a quick side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¾ cup frozen peas thawed
- ¾ cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ English cucumber sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ red onion finely chopped
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese cubed
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins (Optional):
- Grilled chicken strips
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Sliced black olives
- Feta or mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente (about 10 min), rinse under cold water, and drain well.
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Combine veggies and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add pasta and pour dressing over the top (start with ¾), then toss gently to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes, then stir in extra dressing if needed before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Great for making ahead! For best texture, make sure veggies are dry and pasta is fully cooled before mixing.