Description
Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a cold, creamy, and colorful easy recipe packed with tender farfalle, crisp broccoli, sweet peas, red bell pepper, and a tangy Parmesan dressing. It is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy snack table, summer side dish, picnic favorite, and one of those reliable food ideas you can make ahead for potlucks, meal prep, and simple family meals.
Ingredients
12 ounces bow tie pasta
2 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until completely cooled.
3. Cut the broccoli into small bite-sized florets and dice the red bell pepper. Thaw the peas.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, peas, and red bell pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
7. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Stir again before serving and add a little extra sour cream or mayonnaise if needed.
Notes
Rinse the pasta well with cold water so it stops cooking and stays firm in the salad.
Cut the broccoli small so it blends nicely with the pasta and is easier to eat cold.
Stir the salad before serving and refresh it with a spoonful of sour cream or mayo if it thickens in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 18mg