This Joanna Gaines-inspired Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors. With zesty lemon dressing, crumbled feta cheese, and sweet cherry tomatoes, it’s a refreshing dish that pairs well with any meal. The farfalle pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re preparing for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or a quick side dish for dinner, this pasta salad is an effortless yet flavorful option. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize swap out the feta for goat cheese, add grilled chicken, or throw in some arugula for an extra punch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces farfalle pasta
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 11 ounces cherry tomatoes (one pint), halved
- 6 leaves basil, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl or jar.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop further cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the dressing, crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or main course.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Joanna Gaines-inspired Bow Tie Pasta Salad:
- Quick & Easy – You can prepare this pasta salad in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
- Light & Healthy – With fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and lemon juice, this dish is packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Since this pasta salad gets better as it sits, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
- Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein, or toss in some spinach or arugula for added greens.
- Ideal for Any Occasion – Serve it as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, or enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch.
The Secret to a Perfect Pasta Salad
A great pasta salad isn’t just about mixing pasta with a few ingredients—it’s about balancing flavors and textures to create something truly special. Here are a few key factors that make this recipe stand out:
1. Choosing the Right Pasta
Farfalle, or bow tie pasta, is the perfect choice for this salad. Its shape holds onto the dressing well, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Unlike long noodles or small pasta shapes that might get lost in the mix, farfalle provides just the right amount of bite and texture.
2. Fresh & High-Quality Ingredients
Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, it’s crucial to use the freshest and best-quality items you can find. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy feta cheese elevate this pasta salad from basic to extraordinary.
3. The Dressing Matters
One of the standout features of this recipe is the homemade lemon-mustard dressing. Instead of using store-bought dressings that may contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this recipe calls for fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, whole grain mustard, and minced garlic. This combination provides a bright, slightly tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.
4. Allowing Time for Flavors to Marinate
While you can serve this pasta salad immediately, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours. Letting it marinate allows the pasta to soak up the dressing, making the flavors more intense and well-rounded.
Ways to Customize This Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. While the original recipe is already packed with flavor, you can easily adjust it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Add Protein: If you want to make this a more filling meal, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna.
- Make It Vegan: Simply swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Boost the Greens: Adding spinach, arugula, or kale can increase the nutritional value and add extra freshness.
- Try Different Cheeses: Goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or parmesan can be used instead of feta for a different taste.
- Enhance with Nuts & Seeds: Pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds can add crunch and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl on its own or serve it with a side of crusty bread for extra heartiness.
- For Meal Prep: Pack it in individual containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
- At Gatherings: Bring it to potlucks, picnics, or barbecues it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the great things about pasta salads is that they taste even better the next day! Here’s how to store and enjoy this dish for later:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Refreshing Before Serving: If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up.
- Avoid Freezing: Because of the fresh tomatoes and cheese, this pasta salad does not freeze well.
Common Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While farfalle works great, you can also use penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just make sure to choose a shape that holds the dressing well.
2. Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. Be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster or have a different texture.
3. What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese, parmesan, or shredded mozzarella. Each will add a different texture and taste to the salad.
4. Can I Serve This Pasta Salad Warm?
While this dish is typically served chilled, you can certainly enjoy it warm. Just toss everything together while the pasta is still warm, allowing the feta cheese to melt slightly for a creamy texture.
Conclusion:
This Joanna Gaines Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fantastic recipe that brings together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a summer gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Its bright and refreshing flavors make it an excellent choice year-round, and its versatility means you can tweak it to suit your tastes. With its zesty lemon dressing, creamy feta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this pasta salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
