Description
A colorful and nutritious veggie bow tie pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables and Italian dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz bow tie pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup banana peppers, chopped
- 1 batch Italian dressing
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your bow tie pasta in a large pot according to package instructions, until it is al dente, about 8 minutes should do the trick. You will know it is ready when it has a slight bite, not mushy. If you cook it too long, the salad may end up soggy.
- Rinse and Cool: After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, making it nice and cool. Toss the pasta with a touch of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Remember, if you skip the rinsing, your pasta might clump up.
- Prep the Veggies: Chop your broccoli into small florets and any other vegetables you love—let your creativity flow. The fresh aromas will invite a smile and will shine in your salad. Just avoid overcooking the broccoli if you like some crunch!
- Mix the Salad: Combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies (zucchini, grape tomatoes, banana peppers), and your favorite Italian dressing in a large bowl. Give it a good toss until everything is coated nicely. If it tastes bland after mixing, feel free to add more dressing or season it with salt and pepper.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It is great served cold or at room temperature. Serving it too soon might mean missing out on developed flavors.
Notes
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Taste the salad after mixing for seasoning adjustments. If the pasta sticks while cooling, add a drizzle of olive oil after rinsing to keep it separate. If broccoli seems too crunchy, a quick steam for a minute or two can soften it without losing its vibrant color. For a better texture, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to meld the flavors.
- This dish is best served chilled, but if you prefer it warmed, reheat gently in a microwave until warm, without cooking further.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or paired with a crisp salad for a light lunch. It is perfect for summer picnics alongside fresh fruit.
- You can add olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist, include protein options like chickpeas or grilled chicken, or use different cheese like feta for a sharper taste.
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and quality. If you want a variation, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg