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Nothing says summer like a delicious Picnic Pasta Salad with bow tie pasta, vegetables, mozzarella and an Italian dressing.
I was never a fan of pasta salad when I was a kid. There was something about all those tiny little raw vegetables. You know – the ones that are too small to pick out?
Well, that’s the exact reason I love this pasta salad as an adult. Fortunately my taste buds have evolved over the years and I love fresh veggies.
Throw in some cheese and a high quality Italian dressing to bind it all together, and I’m a happy girl. This recipe makes a ton of food so its fantastic for your outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
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Pin ItPicnic Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup peppers diced, I used a mixture of red, orange, and yellow
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1/3 cup celery diced
- 1/3 cup green onions diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella diced
- 1/4 cup parmesan grated
- 8 ounces Italian salad dressing
- handful of freshly minced basil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, only stop cooking a couple minutes before recommended time so that pasta is a bit al dente. Toss drained pasta in olive oil to prevent sticking, set aside.
- In large pot or bowl, combine vegetables and cheese. Toss to combine. Add pasta and toss to combine. Add salad dressing and toss once more to fully combine.
- Before serving, garnish with basil and salt & pepper as desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Simple to make and delicious! I have made this a few times for outside parties and it’s always a hit!
The flavors (and colors) in this salad are SO good!! It was so easy to make and my whole family loved it. We are ‘picnicking’ on our back deck alot at the moment and this recipe will be on regular rotation.
This is definitely a summertime staple! We never have leftovers once this is made. Such a favorite with my boys.
Yum! Pasta Salads are delicious and this recipe of yours is making me crave! My son really loves eating Pasta salad and I’m sure he will love this, too. Looks really scrumptious!
Pasta salads are a must at a picnic. So many different ways to make them too.
This was a winner with my family. Quick and easy lunch.
Simple, easy, comforting. Just the king of food we need most of the time. And so flavorful too.
What an amazing pasta salad. Haha I’m so similar – when I was younger, I was like pasta salad? NO thanks. But what a delicious thing it is! And yes, a good grilled hot dog… Can’t even go there!!