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Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy make-ahead creamy bow tie pasta salad with a tangy, herb-loaded dressing and fresh crunchy veggies. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a reliable side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle), cooked al dente
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of bow tie pasta and cook until just al dente, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Finely dice celery and red bell pepper, slice green onions thinly, and chop fresh parsley.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. If it seems thick, loosen with a splash of milk or a little more vinegar.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor. For lighter version, substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt or omit sour cream. Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bow tie pasta, make-ahead salad, potluck recipe, easy side dish, summer salad

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/creamy-bow-tie-pasta-salad-recipe-5-easy-make-ahead-tips/