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Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Delicious Bow Tie Pasta Salad: Your New Summer Favorite

This vibrant Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer gatherings and easily adaptable to personal preferences.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • ¼ cup relish Chopped pickles can be a great alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
  • 1 tablespoon mustard Use Dijon or honey mustard for variety.
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a perfect replacement.
  • salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • pepper Adjust according to your taste.
Salad
  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta Easily swap with rotini, penne, or shells.
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Monterey Jack or other favorite cheeses work well.
  • 1 cup ham Cooked chicken or turkey can be substitutes.
  • ½ cup onion You can omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 cup peas Frozen peas are convenient and great for this dish.
  • 1 cup bell pepper Any color works, or leave it out if preferred.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley Dried parsley can work but is less vibrant.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Large pot

Method
 

Prep and Cook
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  2. Dice ham and cube cheddar cheese. Mince onion and chop bell pepper. If using, finely chop parsley.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  4. Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water for 1-2 minutes to stop cooking and cool it down.
  5. Combine the cooled pasta with ham, cheddar, onion, peas, bell pepper, and parsley. Gently fold together.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 460mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, serve chilled and consider adding fresh peas right before serving.

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