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Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A delightful and refreshing cold pasta salad featuring tender bow tie pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Potluck, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 12 oz Farfalle (Bow Tie Pasta)
  • 1 cup Celery finely diced
  • 1 cup Carrots shredded or finely diced
  • 1 cup Red Onion very finely minced
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas thawed
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise full fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Dried Dill
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained, cooled pasta, diced celery, shredded carrots, minced red onion, thawed peas, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Pour the entire dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable combination. Gently fold all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Be careful not to crush the pasta shapes.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary (you may need a touch more salt or vinegar for brightness). Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
  6. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before serving. For best results, chill for 2-4 hours.

Notes

For a tangier flavor, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. If making ahead, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar just before serving as the pasta tends to absorb moisture overnight.
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