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Close up handheld photo of Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad with glossy translucent dressing, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.

Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad with Herb-Infused Dressing

This Bow Tie Italian Pasta Salad features al dente farfalle, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls tossed in a glossy herb-infused dressing. Perfect for potlucks, this easy recipe is a colorful, refreshing, and visual Pinterest favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 1 lb Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta 454g
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes 250g, halved
  • 1 large English Cucumber 300g, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives 75g, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion 80g, finely diced
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls 225g
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing 240ml, herb-infused and glossy
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley 15g, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Wide Ceramic Serving Bowl For mixing and serving

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook farfalle pasta for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Ensure the pasta is completely cool and dry before adding to the mixing bowl to prevent the dressing from separating.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a wide ceramic bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, black olives, diced red onion, and mozzarella pearls.
  2. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
If making a day ahead, add a little extra dressing just before serving to refresh the glossy look.