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Easy Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Picnics

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A quick and creamy bow tie pasta salad with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, perfect for summer picnics and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bow tie pasta (farfalle), cooked al dente
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt as a substitute)
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional add-ins: diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or cooked bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Let it drain well to avoid watery salad.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 diced red bell pepper, 3 sliced green onions, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to distribute evenly.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Just before serving, toss in any optional add-ins such as diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent sogginess. Mix dressing separately before combining. Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Optional add-ins can be added before serving. For a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or more lemon juice. Use dairy-free alternatives for vegan or dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bow tie pasta, summer picnic recipe, easy pasta salad, creamy dressing, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/easy-creamy-bow-tie-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-picnics/