This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is an easy, tasty side dish that is always a favorite at barbecues, potlucks, or even as a filling lunch! While I often make Italian Pasta Salad, this dish has a rich creamy dressing that’s hard to resist! Ham, cheddar and veggies are mixed in for the perfect potluck dish!
Serve alongside Hamburgers or grilled pork chops for a summer salad everyone loves!
Favorite Bowtie Pasta Salad Ingredients
While some of the basic ingredients may change, the star of this pasta salad is the bow tie shaped pasta! Not only does it hold up well to the creamy mayo dressing but the shape complements round peas, diced pieces of ham and cheese. Like most pasta salad recipes, you can add or remove ingredients based on what you have on hand; this recipe is very versatile.
- Base: Bow Tie pasta (you can substitute any medium shaped pasta or even make Tortellini Salad).
- Meat & Cheese: cheddar cheese & ham are my favorite choices. You can make bowtie pasta salad with feta and skip the ham and make it with chicken or pepperoni.
- Veggies: I love pasta salad with peas! Add white onion (or swap for red or green), bell pepper (even chopped spinach works well).
These are just the basics! Get creative with what you have on hand and make your own custom summer bow tie pasta salad with items like sliced black olives, celery and even sun-dried tomatoes!
How to Make Bowtie Pasta Salad
To make this pasta salad start by boiling the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, run it under really cold water to cool, this stops the cooking process so the noodles don’t get overcooked (and mushy)! Once you have that complete, it’s easy ‘peas’-y!
- Mix all the dressing ingredients in small bowl.
- Toss everything together and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Before taking a big scoop of tasty pasta salad, season with salt and pepper.
To Make Ahead
The flavors blend as this recipe sits making it the perfect make ahead party dish. If making more than a few hours ahead of time, be generous with the dressing as the pasta will soak it up a bit.
Got Leftovers?
Fridge: A bowtie pasta salad with ham can last 3-5 days in the fridge if it is kept cold and in a tightly sealed container.
Freezer: Pasta Salad doesn’t freeze well so prep this shortly before serving.
More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes
- Italian Pasta Salad – one of my favorites!
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – Reader favorite!
- Easy Greek Pasta Salad – full of crunch.
- Broccoli Pasta Salad – creamy homemade dressing.
- BLT Pasta Salad – classically perfect flavor combo!
- Summer Pasta Salad – filled with garden fresh veggies!
- Farmers Market Salad – so colorful & fresh
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham diced
- 3 tablespoons finely diced white onion
- ½ cup frozen peas thawed
- ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Salad
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The pic looks to have fresh green herbs. What is it?
I added a little chopped parsley for garnish.