Zesty Italian Farfalle Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with this incredibly easy and delicious Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Packed with an array of fresh, crisp vegetables, al dente farfalle pasta, and generously coated in a bright, zesty homemade Italian dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a lively summer cookout, a festive potluck, a casual party, or simply need a quick and satisfying dinner on a busy weeknight, this recipe is your perfect solution. Its colorful presentation and refreshing taste make it an instant favorite, offering a hearty yet light option that caters to all palates. Get ready to impress your guests and delight your family with a pasta salad that’s bursting with authentic Italian-inspired goodness and unmatched convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary staple that brings joy to any occasion. Here’s why it’s destined to become one of your go-to recipes, making meal times simpler and more delicious:

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is a testament to the fact that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complicated cooking. It’s a wonderfully simple yet incredibly tasty side dish that perfectly complements a wide variety of main courses, from grilled chicken and steak to hearty sandwiches and wraps. The thoughtful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a bright, zesty dressing creates a harmonious blend that is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining: One of the most cherished aspects of this cold pasta salad is its fantastic make-ahead potential. You can prepare it several hours, or even a full day, in advance. This precious marination time allows all the distinct flavors to meld and deepen beautifully, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste. This feature significantly reduces your kitchen time on the day of an event or a busy weeknight, enabling you to relax and enjoy more moments with your family and guests at parties, potlucks, and backyard cookouts. It’s truly a host’s dream for convenient, large-batch recipes.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Creating this spectacular dish doesn’t require any exotic or expensive items. All the ingredients are readily available at any standard grocery store, ensuring that you can whip up this delightful salad without stretching your budget. It stands as a wonderful example of how simple, fresh produce and everyday pantry staples can be transformed into something truly extraordinary and satisfying.
• A Burst of Freshness and Flavor in Every Bite: Each spoonful of this Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad offers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. You’ll enjoy the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the satisfying crunch of bell peppers, the savory tang of marinated artichoke hearts, and the briny goodness of Kalamata olives. Every single component contributes to a wonderfully refreshing and profoundly satisfying culinary experience. The homemade Italian dressing is the secret sauce, expertly elevating these fresh ingredients and tying everything together with its herbaceous, garlicky, and zesty notes.
• Incredibly Customizable: This recipe is remarkably versatile, offering endless possibilities for adaptation based on your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever fresh ingredients you happen to have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, add various types of cheese, or incorporate alternative deli meats to create your own unique spin on this classic. It provides a robust and flexible foundation for countless delicious and personalized variations.

I genuinely adore cold pasta salads. They strike a wonderful balance, offering a hearty and filling experience while consistently delivering big, bold flavors that are perfect for any season. This particular Italian pasta salad recipe stands out as one of my absolute favorites, always bringing a smile to everyone’s face and often being the first dish to disappear from the table.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Crafting the perfect Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad begins with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Below is a comprehensive overview of what you’ll need to create this vibrant, flavorful dish. For precise measurements and detailed, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Ingredient Notes and Flavor Variations

Understanding the role of each ingredient and exploring potential variations will empower you to tailor this pasta salad to your exact taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have available in your pantry.

• Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): This distinctive pasta shape is the star ingredient. Farfalle, meaning “butterflies” in Italian, is perfect for this salad because its pinched center and delicate “wings” effectively capture and hold the delicious dressing and small diced vegetables, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. If farfalle is unavailable, other small, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or medium shells will also work beautifully, offering good texture and sauce-holding capabilities.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet, and juicy tomatoes add a delightful burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the salad. Halving them helps release their natural juices and makes them easier to incorporate. Grape tomatoes are an excellent alternative, providing a similar sweetness and a slightly firmer texture.
• Shallot: Shallots offer a milder, more delicate onion flavor compared to larger onions, adding a subtle aromatic depth to the salad without overpowering the fresh components. You’ll typically find them in the produce section of your grocery store, often alongside onions and garlic. For a bolder, more pungent taste, a finely diced red onion can be used as a substitute.
• Bell Pepper: Bell peppers contribute a delightful crunch, fresh sweetness, and vibrant color, enhancing the salad’s visual appeal and texture. I particularly enjoy using red or yellow bell peppers for their inherent sweetness and bright hues, but any color—green, orange, or a mix of several—will work wonderfully, providing a fresh counterpoint to the savory elements.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: These are a crucial component for imparting a distinctive tangy, briny flavor that is a hallmark of many authentic Italian salads. Look for them jarred in oil, typically found in the canned goods or international aisle of your supermarket. If you only have plain, canned artichoke hearts, you can easily marinate them yourself for a short period in a simple blend of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and your favorite Italian herbs.
• Kalamata Olives: Known for their rich, salty, and slightly fruity flavor, Kalamata olives are a classic and indispensable addition to Italian-inspired dishes. I recommend using pitted and halved Kalamata olives for convenience and ease of eating. If Kalamata olives are not to your taste or unavailable, standard black olives will also provide a good salty contrast, though with a generally milder flavor profile.
• Pepperoncini: These mild, slightly spicy pickled peppers add an exciting zing and a subtle touch of heat, significantly elevating the overall flavor profile of the salad. If you prefer less spice or cannot easily find pepperoncini, pickled banana peppers make a great, slightly sweeter substitute. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, a small pinch of red pepper flakes can be added directly to the dressing.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild, and wonderfully soft, fresh mozzarella adds a luxurious texture and a delicate dairy flavor that perfectly balances the acidity of the dressing and other tangy ingredients. Cubing larger balls of fresh mozzarella or using small mozzarella pearls (often labeled as bocconcini or ciliegine) are both excellent and convenient choices.
• Summer Sausage or Salami: For a savory, meaty element that adds substance and depth, summer sausage or salami are fantastic options. They bring a rich, salty, and often subtly smoky flavor that transforms the salad into a more robust dish. Diced pepperoni, prosciutto, or even cooked and crumbled Italian sausage can be used as delicious alternatives to introduce different savory dimensions.
• Fresh Basil and Fresh Parsley: Do not underestimate the transformative power of fresh herbs! These are non-negotiable for achieving an authentic and bright Italian pasta salad. Fresh basil offers sweet, aromatic, and slightly peppery notes, while fresh parsley provides a clean, herbaceous freshness. Together, they brighten the entire dish and infuse it with essential aromatic complexity. While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs are always superior for this recipe’s intended flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil forms the flavorful foundation of our homemade Italian dressing. It imparts a fruity, slightly peppery richness and a smooth mouthfeel. While canola or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives, they typically lack the depth and characteristic flavor that a good olive oil provides.
• White Wine Vinegar: This vinegar provides the essential acidity and bright tang to the dressing, perfectly balancing the richness of the olive oil and other savory ingredients. Red wine vinegar offers a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably, while white vinegar or even fresh lemon juice can be substituted for a sharper, brighter finish.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is paramount for a robust, aromatic dressing that is quintessential to Italian cuisine. It provides a pungent, savory kick that truly brings the dressing to life. If fresh garlic isn’t readily available, a good quality minced garlic from a jar or a smaller amount of garlic powder (start with half a teaspoon) can be used, though fresh is highly recommended for optimal flavor intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: This convenient blend of dried herbs (typically consisting of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) is the secret to imparting the dressing’s classic and recognizable Italian flavor. It provides a fragrant and aromatic backbone that permeates the entire salad.
• Honey: A small touch of honey (or pure maple syrup or agave nectar) is added to the dressing to help balance the acidity of the vinegar. It enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with and rounds out the savory and tangy notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are absolutely critical for bringing out and enhancing all the individual flavors in the salad. Always remember to season to taste, adjusting the amounts as needed after mixing to achieve your desired balance. Freshly cracked black pepper will offer the best aroma and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Creating this flavorful and vibrant Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple, clear steps to bring your delicious dish to life. For precise measurements of all ingredients and a handy printable version of the recipe, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection: Begin by cooking your farfalle (bow tie) pasta. In a large, generously sized pot, bring a substantial amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, add the pasta and cook it precisely according to the package directions until it reaches an ideal al dente texture – meaning it’s firm to the bite but still tender, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander. For best results in a cold pasta salad, you can immediately rinse the pasta under cold running water after draining. This crucial step halts the cooking process, prevents the pasta from sticking together, and cools it down quickly, making it ready to mix with other fresh ingredients without wilting them. Ensure it is very well drained again before proceeding.
2. Prepare the Zesty Dressing: While your pasta is cooking or cooling, you can efficiently prepare the vibrant and flavorful Italian dressing. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid (this is excellent for emulsifying), or alternatively in a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: the olive oil, white wine vinegar, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, a touch of honey, and salt and black pepper to taste. If using a jar, secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly until fully blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings (more salt, pepper, or a hint more vinegar/honey) as per your preference.
3. Combine the Salad Components: Once your pasta is cooled and well-drained, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. To this bowl, add all the main salad components: the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallot, diced bell pepper (whatever color you chose), the diced marinated artichoke hearts, halved Kalamata olives, chopped pepperoncini, cubed fresh mozzarella cheese, and the diced summer sausage or salami. Finally, add the fresh chopped parsley and basil, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Dress and Gently Toss: Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the freshly prepared homemade Italian dressing generously over all the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or a set of tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together. The goal is to ensure that all the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing, guaranteeing a burst of taste in every single bite.
5. Chill and Allow Flavors to Meld: For the flavors to truly meld, deepen, and reach their peak, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the pasta to properly absorb the dressing, and all the individual ingredients will have time to harmonize, resulting in a much more delicious and refreshing salad experience. For an even more profound depth of flavor, chilling for a few hours or even overnight is highly recommended. Give it a final gentle toss just before serving to redistribute the delightful dressing.

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

To make the preparation of this Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad as seamless and enjoyable as possible, you’ll find that a few basic yet essential kitchen tools are all you truly need:

• Large Pot: Absolutely essential for cooking the pasta. A large pot ensures ample space for the pasta to move freely and cook evenly, preventing sticking and allowing for proper water circulation.
• Small Jar or Small Bowl: This is ideal for preparing the homemade Italian dressing. A small jar with a tight-fitting lid is particularly useful, as it allows you to vigorously shake and emulsify the dressing quickly and effectively. If you don’t have a jar, a small bowl and a whisk will work perfectly well.
• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious mixing bowl is crucial for combining all the pasta salad ingredients. Its size ensures that you can comfortably add the pasta, vegetables, meats, and cheese, and then thoroughly toss them with the dressing without any spills or difficulty, allowing for an even distribution of flavors.
• Colander: A colander is indispensable for efficiently draining the cooked pasta, ensuring no excess water dilutes your delicious dressing.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing all the fresh vegetables, herbs, and deli meats, a good quality sharp knife and a stable cutting board will make your prep work safe and efficient.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for both ingredients and dressing components are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors every time.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Transform your Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad from merely good to absolutely outstanding with these tried-and-true expert tips that focus on technique and flavor enhancement:

• Choose the Right Pasta Shape: While farfalle (bow tie) pasta is fantastic for its ability to catch dressing, don’t limit yourself to just one type. Small shell pasta, rotini, or fusilli are also excellent choices for this zesty Italian pasta salad. Their unique shapes and ridges are specifically designed to capture and hold onto the flavorful dressing and small diced ingredients, ensuring that every single forkful is loaded with taste and texture. The goal is to maximize dressing adherence and ingredient distribution.
• Achieve Al Dente Perfection: The texture of your pasta is paramount, especially in a cold pasta salad where it won’t continue to soften. Always cook the pasta to an ideal al dente stage – meaning it’s still firm and slightly resistant to the bite, not soft or mushy. Overcooked, soggy pasta will negatively impact the salad’s overall texture, making it less appealing. Always carefully check your pasta package directions and monitor the cooking time closely; it’s always better to err on the side of slightly undercooked than overcooked for pasta salad.
• Cool Pasta Rapidly and Thoroughly: For the freshest and best-textured cold pasta salad, it’s essential to cool the pasta rapidly after cooking. After draining the hot pasta, immediately rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This crucial step not only stops the cooking process dead in its tracks but also washes away excess starch that can cause the pasta to stick together, helping it cool down quickly. Ensure it’s thoroughly drained again – perhaps even shaking the colander a few times – before adding it to your mixing bowl to prevent any excess water from diluting your dressing.
• Don’t Skimp on Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley are not just garnishes here; they are non-negotiable for achieving an authentic, bright, and vibrant Italian flavor profile. Their lively aromas and fresh tastes significantly elevate the entire salad. If possible, chop them just before adding to the salad to preserve their maximum freshness, color, and aromatic oils.
• Allow Time for Marination: The true magic and depth of flavor in this pasta salad happen as it chills. Allow at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to fully meld and for the pasta to properly absorb the delicious dressing. For an even more profound and harmonious flavor experience, consider making it a few hours or even a full day ahead of time. The extended chilling allows the ingredients to infuse into one another beautifully. A good, gentle toss before serving will redistribute the delicious dressing and refresh the ingredients.
• Adjust Seasoning to Your Liking: Always make sure to taste your dressing before adding it to the salad, and then taste the final salad before serving. Your palate might find it needs a little more salt, a touch more black pepper, or perhaps an extra splash of vinegar for tang, or a drizzle more honey for sweetness. The flavors can sometimes mellow or intensify during chilling, so a final taste test is a critical step to ensure perfect balance.
• Dice Ingredients Evenly: For the best eating experience, aim to dice your vegetables, cheese, and meats into roughly similar, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every forkful contains a balanced mix of ingredients and textures.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the many beautiful qualities of this Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is its exceptional versatility, making it perfect for both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful future planning.

Refrigerate

To maintain its optimal freshness and vibrant flavor, any leftover Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad should be stored promptly in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for an impressive 3 to 4 days. If you happen to not have a lid that perfectly fits your mixing bowl, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This step is crucial for preventing air exposure, which can dry out the pasta and diminish the lively flavors of the dressing and fresh ingredients. While the pasta may soften slightly over time, the flavors often deepen and become more harmonious, making it an even more delightful next-day lunch option.

Freezing

While it is technically possible to freeze the leftovers of this salad for up to three months, I generally do not recommend it for the best culinary experience. The delicate textures of the pasta and many of the fresh vegetables – particularly the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh mozzarella cheese – tend to undergo significant changes when subjected to freezing and then thawing. They can often become mushy, watery, or lose their vibrant crispness, thereby compromising the delightful integrity and appealing texture that makes this salad so enjoyable. For the most satisfying results, it is best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

Make Ahead

This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad truly excels as a make-ahead dish, making it an absolute gem for simplifying your weekly meal prep or streamlining your party planning efforts. Because the complex flavors of the salad actually improve and deepen as it has more time to marinate, feel completely free to prepare this entire recipe up to 24 hours in advance. The pasta will gradually soak up the zesty dressing, and all the individual ingredients will have ample opportunity to blend harmoniously, resulting in a more profound and well-rounded flavor profile. Just remember to give the salad a good, gentle toss before serving to redistribute the flavorful dressing and ensure that every single bite is equally delicious and refreshing.

What to Serve with Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This delicious and versatile Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is an exceptional accompaniment to a wide array of meals, making it a perfect choice for almost any occasion. It particularly shines as a vibrant side dish for light lunches, festive summer picnics, lively backyard barbecues, or as a refreshing addition to a family dinner. Here are some fantastic ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Grilled Meats and Seafood: Its fresh, cool, and tangy profile pairs wonderfully with hot, smoky grilled dishes. Think succulent grilled chicken breasts, juicy steak, flavorful lamb chops, or delicate shrimp skewers. The refreshing coolness of the salad provides a delightful contrast to the warmth and char of grilled proteins.
• Classic Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve this pasta salad as a hearty and satisfying side dish with your favorite classic deli sandwiches, warm paninis, or light and fresh wraps. It transforms a simple lunch into a complete and more fulfilling meal.
• Barbecue and Cookout Favorites: This Italian pasta salad is a natural and indispensable fit for any barbecue spread. It complements robust flavors like pulled pork, tender ribs, juicy burgers, or even hot dogs, adding a much-needed fresh and zesty component.
• Other Complementary Salads: For a diverse and refreshing meal, consider pairing it with other complementary salads. A crisp green salad, a refreshing Black Bean and Chickpea Salad, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad would offer a lovely variety of textures and flavors.
• Light Bites and Appetizers: Combine it with other delightful picnic favorites for an impressive spread. Appetizers such as flavorful Mexican Chicken Pinwheels or a platter of bruschetta would create a truly delightful array of dishes.
• Soups: On a slightly cooler day, a small bowl of this invigorating pasta salad can serve as a fantastic textural and flavorful counterpoint to a light vegetable soup or a simple tomato soup.

Creative Variations for Your Italian Pasta Salad

One of the most appealing aspects of this easy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe is its remarkable adaptability. Feel completely free to unleash your creativity and customize it based on your personal preferences, dietary needs, or simply what ingredients you happen to have readily available in your kitchen:

• Onion Alternatives: If the subtle flavor of shallots isn’t quite what you’re looking for, or if you simply don’t have them on hand, a finely diced red onion will provide a sharper, bolder, and more pungent onion flavor. Alternatively, sliced green onions (scallions) offer a milder, fresher, and slightly herbaceous onion note that can be equally delicious.
• Add Cheese Variety: Elevate the cheese factor by adding a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This will undoubtedly contribute a wonderful salty, umami-rich, and distinctly flavorful punch to your salad. For a different tangy dimension, consider incorporating crumbled feta cheese or creamy goat cheese, which would add a delightful brininess or a mild, earthy tang respectively.
• Herbaceous Boost: Infuse even more depth and aromatic complexity into the tangy dressing by incorporating an assortment of your favorite fresh herbs. Beyond the classic basil and parsley, think about finely chopped fresh oregano, a hint of fresh thyme, or even a subtle touch of fresh mint for a surprisingly refreshing and bright twist. There are so many great options to explore with this versatile salad.
• More Fresh Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to load this easy bowtie pasta salad with an abundance of even more fresh vegetables! Crisp English cucumbers add a cool, refreshing crunch, while thinly sliced zucchini offers a mild, tender bite. Shredded carrots contribute both natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of color. Blanched broccoli florets (boiled for just a minute or two) or sweet corn kernels are also fantastic additions that your family will surely enjoy, adding extra nutrients and texture.
• Protein Power-Up: For an even more substantial and filling meal, easily boost the protein content. Consider adding cooked and shredded chicken breast, flavorful chickpeas, creamy cannellini beans, or even some grilled and cooled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of a little heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing to your desired level, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Citrus Brightness: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice, added to the dressing right before tossing, can further brighten the overall flavor profile of the salad, adding an extra layer of zesty freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Pasta Salad

Discover More Delicious Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making and savoring this delightful Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad, we wholeheartedly encourage you to explore other fantastic recipes from our collection that are perfect for any occasion and palate:

• This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is another incredibly delicious and easy option, making it a perfect choice for summer picnics, large family gatherings, or casual potlucks when you need a vibrant and flavorful side dish that feeds a crowd.
• For a protein-packed and incredibly satisfying meal, our Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad offers a fantastic and flavorful way to utilize leftover chicken, combining it with aromatic pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh ingredients for a truly satisfying dish.
• Looking for a delightful twist on a beloved classic? The Italian Potato Salad offers a tangy and herbaceous take on this traditional picnic favorite. It’s brimming with tender potatoes, crisp green beans, savory olives, and a bright garlic vinaigrette – a combination that is sure to become a cherished family favorite side dish.
• And for a truly refreshing and sweet treat, you absolutely must try our Creamy Fruit Salad. It’s a simple yet wonderfully sweet and incredibly cooling dish, ideally suited for warm summer days, holiday celebrations, potlucks, and any family gathering where a light, fruity dessert is desired.

If you loved making and enjoying this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated and helps other home cooks discover these wonderful and easy-to-make dishes. Thank you for your support!

Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

The best bow tie pasta salad: extra delicious and loaded with color, crunch, and flavor. A summer favorite light pasta salad that feeds a crowd, perfect for any gathering.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian / American

Diet: Halal (Note: Halal status depends on ingredients like summer sausage/salami; ensure they are Halal certified if applicable)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 16 cups

Calories: 149kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

• 16 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can marinated artichoke hearts, diced
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• ¾ cup pepperoncini, chopped
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 8 oz summer sausage or salami, chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool. (For quicker cooling, you can rinse with cold water after draining, then drain again thoroughly.)
2. In a small jar or bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid (if using a jar) and shake vigorously, or whisk thoroughly, until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped shallot, diced bell pepper, diced marinated artichoke hearts, halved Kalamata olives, chopped pepperoncini, cubed fresh mozzarella cheese, diced summer sausage or salami, and the fresh chopped parsley and basil.
4. Pour the prepared dressing over all the ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or preferably longer, up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and chill completely before serving. Give it a final toss before serving.

Notes

• If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback is highly valued.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 149kcal |
Carbohydrates: 5g |
Protein: 6g |
Fat: 12g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g |
Cholesterol: 17mg |
Sodium: 584mg |
Potassium: 265mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 852IU |
Vitamin C: 27mg |
Calcium: 57mg |
Iron: 1mg

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