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Mediterranean bow tie pasta salad made with farfalle pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley, tossed in a homemade lemon herb dressing for a fresh, healthy meal or side dish.

Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fresh, easy, and flavorful pasta salad made with farfalle pasta, crisp vegetables, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, BBQs, and quick weeknight sides, it’s a healthy Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s light, refreshing, and packed with bold flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 539 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Colander (to drain pasta)
  • Large mixing bowl (for assembling the salad)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife (for chopping vegetables)
  • Small bowl or jar (for mixing dressing)
  • Whisk or fork (to emulsify dressing)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or salad tongs (for tossing and serving)

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 12 oz pasta 340 g bow tie (farfalle)
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup parsley fresh and chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Complimentary Lemon-Herb Dressing - Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra-virgin
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey optional, for balance
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp parsley fresh and chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
  • Cook bow tie pasta until al dente
  • Drain and rinse under cool water
  • Let pasta cool completely

Prepare the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine:
  • Cooked bow tie pasta
  • Cucumbers
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red bell pepper
  • Kalamata olives
  • Fresh parsley

Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl or jar:
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper
  • Taste and adjust seasoning

Assemble

  • Pour dressing over pasta salad
  • Toss gently until evenly coated
  • Sprinkle feta cheese on top
  • Add extra parsley for garnish
    • Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
    Add feta last so it doesn't break apart too much.
    Drizzle extra olive oil before serving for shine

Notes

  • This Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fresh, healthy, and easy pasta salad recipe made with simple Mediterranean ingredients and a zesty lemon herb dressing
  • Perfect cold pasta salad for meal prep, summer lunches, potlucks, BBQs, and quick weeknight dinners
  • Uses farfalle pasta (bow tie pasta), which holds dressing well and gives the best texture for pasta salad recipes
  • Made with fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper for a crisp, refreshing bite
  • Kalamata olives and feta cheese add authentic Mediterranean flavor, saltiness, and creamy texture
  • Homemade lemon herb dressing gives a bright, tangy flavor that makes this one of the best healthy pasta salad recipes
  • Easy make-ahead recipe that tastes even better after chilling in the fridge
  • Great vegetarian pasta salad that can easily be turned into a full meal with chicken, chickpeas, or tuna
  • Ideal healthy Mediterranean diet recipe that is light, flavorful, and nutrient-rich
  • Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal cooking skills and simple pantry ingredients
  • Perfect for summer recipe collections, healthy lunch ideas, and easy entertaining side dishes
  • Best served cold or chilled for maximum freshness and flavor balance

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 505mgPotassium: 439mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1685IUVitamin C: 57mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bow tie pasta salad, Dinner, Easy, easy pasta salad recipe, Fast, feta pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, lemon herb dressing, Mediterranean pasta salad, recipe, side, summer pasta salad
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