If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish to brighten up your meal times, then you absolutely need to try this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining the bite of perfectly cooked bow tie pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and the salty punch of crumbled feta. Every forkful bursts with texture and flavor, making it a standout salad for potlucks, barbecues, or simply a delicious weeknight dinner. Let me walk you through how easy it is to create this colorful concoction that always impresses without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the hearty bow tie pasta to the tangy feta and bright veggies, each element comes together effortlessly.
- Bow tie pasta (2 cups): The classic shape holds the dressing beautifully and adds fun texture.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant red color for visual appeal.
- Cucumber, diced (1/2 cup): Brings a cooling crunch that refreshes every bite.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Offers a subtle sharpness that livens up the salad.
- Black olives, sliced (1/4 cup): Provides a briny depth to complement the fresh vegetables.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup): Delivers creamy, salty richness to balance the dish.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): The base of the dressing, totaling all flavors into one harmonious mix.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds the perfect tang to lift the salad.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses a lovely herbal note characteristic of Mediterranean flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild garlic punch without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10 to 12 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente. This is key because you want the pasta to be tender but still hold its shape and texture in the salad.
Step 2: Drain and Cool the Pasta
Drain the cooked pasta using a colander, then set it aside to cool for a few minutes. It’s important the pasta isn’t hot when you mix the salad to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables and melting the feta cheese prematurely.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Cheese
While the pasta cools, get the fresh ingredients ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts, dice the cucumber small for that satisfying crunch, thinly slice the red onion for a gentle zing, and slice the black olives to spread their briny flavor throughout. Finally, crumble the feta cheese, which will bring creaminess and a salty kick to your salad.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients until the dressing is well blended and slightly emulsified. Add salt and black pepper to taste, seasoning the salad to your preference.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until every piece is coated with the vibrant dressing. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary for that perfect balance.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just before serving, give it a quick toss once more to redistribute the dressing. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate this pasta salad even further. Consider sprinkling additional crumbled feta, fresh basil leaves, or even a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to amplify aroma and presentation. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top can also add a lustrous finish.
Side Dishes
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish. It also complements a summery spread featuring crusty bread, hummus, or a light soup. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside stuffed peppers or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers for bite-sized individual servings at parties. Layer it in clear jars or bowls to showcase the colorful layers when hosting picnics or potlucks. The playful bow tie pasta shape adds instant charm and invites you to dig in with excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers of this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, during which the flavors continue to develop and deepen.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated since freezing can change the texture of the fresh vegetables and feta cheese. For optimal taste and texture, avoid freezing, especially because the cucumber and tomatoes may become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, simply take it out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow it to take the edge off the chill and bring out the flavors even more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is traditional here because of its shape and ability to hold dressing, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or farfalle depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prepare this pasta salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and stir it before serving. The flavors tend to meld beautifully when given time to rest, but avoid making it too far ahead to keep the veggies crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing and vegetables are naturally vegan-friendly, making it easy to customize.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions to turn this salad into a fully satisfying meal.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice are great substitutes that will still add the bright acidity needed for the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe has quickly become one of my most beloved dishes, ideal for any occasion that calls for fresh, vibrant, and delicious food. It’s effortless to make, bursting with layers of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation too. Once you taste how the tangy dressing marries with crisp veggies and creamy feta, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and tangy bow tie pasta salad combining al dente pasta with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and black olives, all tossed in a zesty feta and oregano dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups bow tie pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables for the salad.
- Halve Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Dice Cucumber: Peel if desired, then dice the cucumber into small pieces and set aside.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and set aside.
- Slice Olives: Slice the black olives and set them aside.
- Prepare Feta: Crumble the feta cheese and set it aside.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Season Dressing: Add salt and black pepper to the dressing to taste and whisk again.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Transfer the slightly cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Final Toss: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish.
Notes
- Use quality olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- The salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra brightness if desired.
- To make this salad vegan, omit feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be tossed in.
