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Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow Tie Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Crowd-Pleaser

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a creamy, versatile dish that’s perfect for any gathering, appealing to both kids and adults.
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: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 ounces Bow Tie Pasta Barilla recommended for best texture
  • 1 cup Diced Ham Substitute with turkey or chickpeas
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Try Gouda or Monterey Jack for variety
  • 0.5 cup Onion Red onion works well as a substitute
  • 1 cup Peas Fresh or frozen both work
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any variety enhances flavor
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Swap with basil for alternative flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Hellmann's recommended
  • 0.25 cup Relish Any good brand will do
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Choose yellow or Dijon
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar Apple cider or white wine vinegar ideal
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large pot
  • colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, sugar, mustard, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until creamy.
  2. Dice ham and cheddar cheese, chop bell pepper and onion, and roughly chop parsley.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, ham, cheese, peas, onion, bell pepper, and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat. Make sure all ingredients are evenly covered.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is customizable; feel free to adjust ingredients based on your pantry and preferences.

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