If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, the Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe is your perfect match. This salad combines the tender, satisfying texture of bow tie pasta with the juicy punch of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, briny black olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty, herby dressing, it’s a delightful melody of tastes and colors that’s both easy to make and endlessly enjoyable. Whether for a light lunch, picnic, or a stunning side dish, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brightens any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating a perfectly balanced Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe. From the fresh crunch to the tangy, creamy notes, every component adds its unique touch to this colorful and satisfying salad.
- Bow tie pasta (2 cups): The shape holds the dressing beautifully and adds a fun texture to every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Sweet and juicy bursts of flavor that brighten the salad.
- Cucumber, diced (1/2 cup): Adds a refreshing crunch and cool balance to the tangier ingredients.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Sharp and slightly sweet, it brings a lovely depth to the salad.
- Black olives, sliced (1/4 cup): Briny and rich, contributing a savory undertone.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup): Creamy and salty, this cheese is the perfect finishing touch.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Provides richness and ties all the flavors together.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds bright acidity that lifts the salad.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic Mediterranean herb that infuses the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, savory notes without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is key because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook until it’s just al dente—typically around 10 to 12 minutes. Al dente pasta gives you that perfect tender bite without being mushy, making all the difference in the salad’s overall texture.
Step 2: Drain and Cool the Pasta
Drain the pasta in a colander and allow it to cool slightly. You don’t want to add hot pasta to your salad because it can wilt the fresh veggies and melt the feta too soon. Giving it a few minutes to cool ensures the salad stays crisp and refreshing.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
While the pasta cools, get the fresh elements ready. Halve your juicy cherry tomatoes to release their sweet juices, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces for a refreshing crunch, thinly slice the red onion for a touch of zing without overpowering, and slice the black olives to infuse their salty depth throughout the salad. Don’t forget to crumble the feta cheese — creamy and slightly tangy, it’s the magic ingredient that brings it all together.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined. The mustard acts like a little secret emulsifier here, giving your dressing a lovely consistency while the oregano brings out those classic Mediterranean notes. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—this is where you can customize the punch of flavor to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Transfer the cooled bow tie pasta to a large mixing bowl and add all your prepped vegetables and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together. Use a light hand so the ingredients retain their integrity but get evenly coated with that vibrant dressing. Give it a quick taste check and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential because it allows all those amazing flavors to marry and deepen, making each bite even more delicious. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss once more to distribute the dressing evenly.
How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe even further, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top. A sprinkling of extra feta or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper adds flair and enhances every mouthful. A few lemon wedges on the side can also be a fun, tangy finish for those who want a little extra brightness.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad shines beautifully alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even falafel for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Paired with warm pita bread or crusty baguettes, it makes a wonderful picnic or potluck option. It also serves as a refreshing counterbalance to heavier BBQ dishes during the summer months.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving your Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or large, colorful lettuce leaves for individual salad cups. Layering it in clear glass bowls or jars can show off the gorgeous colors and textures, making it irresistible at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavor. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the ingredients.
Freezing
Because the salad contains fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture and flavor. For best results, enjoy the salad fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes rather than heating it, which can compromise the fresh ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works wonderfully because of its shape and texture, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even shell pasta for a similar effect. Just make sure to cook until al dente for the best salad texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe holds up well in the fridge and flavors improve as they meld. Prepare it a day ahead to save time and enjoy it over a couple of days.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even some toasted nuts can easily turn this salad into a more substantial meal. These additions pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors already in the dish.
How can I make the dressing less tangy?
If you find the red wine vinegar a bit strong, balance it out by adding a little honey or a pinch of sugar to soften the acidity without losing the dressing’s bright character.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Of course! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or crumbled tofu for a similar creamy texture without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simple combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, and Feta Recipe is not just a salad—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures that anyone can whip up quickly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this recipe promises a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, Black Olives, 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 easy-to-make Bow Tie Pasta Salad featuring al dente bow tie pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and creamy feta cheese, all coated in a tangy homemade vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish for any occasion.
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 Pasta: 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 package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables: While pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives.
- Crumble Feta: Crumble the feta cheese and set 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 taste and mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl; add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Toss again before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Use freshly grated feta cheese for a creamier texture and better taste.
- You can substitute black olives with kalamata olives for a more robust flavor.
- Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
