Bowtie Pasta Salad for Summer Parties!
Home » COOK » Recipes » Recipes By Course » Salads »
This Festive 4th of July Bowtie Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and perfect for summer BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks!
Made with bowtie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, arugula, and creamy feta cheese, this easy summer pasta salad comes together in under 30 minutes. Tossed in a simple homemade vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing side dish for hot-weather gatherings and patriotic celebrations alike.
Affiliate Disclosure
We have included affiliate links to products and services related to this post.
We may earn a commission if you purchase after clicking on those links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read Our Full Disclosure Policy and Privacy Policy
Why You’ll Love This Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
- It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy summer entertaining.
- The fresh vegetables and feta keep it light, bright, and refreshing on hot days.
- It’s easy to make ahead for BBQs, picnics, and summer gatherings.
- Simple to scale up for feeding a crowd or taking to a potluck.
- You can customize it with extra veggies or protein additions like grilled chicken.
Need more summer side dishes for your cookout? Check out our collection of easy summer recipes!
Pair This Pasta Salad With…
How Do I Make Bowtie Pasta Salad for the Fourth of July?
Check out the recipe card below—you can print or save it for later. Please leave a review and a star rating!
Bowtie Pasta Salad with Feta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup arugula (rocket) chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, arugula, feta cheese, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your summer gathering!
Notes
Tips
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.
- Add extra feta before serving for an even more creamy, salty flavor.
Substitutions
- Swap arugula for spinach or romaine lettuce.
- Use mozzarella pearls instead of feta cheese if preferred.
- Add blueberries for an extra patriotic color touch.
Leftovers & Freezing
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
- Do not leave the salad at room temperature for extended periods in hot weather.
- Not suitable for freezing.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
Ready to Make This Easy Bowtie Summer Pasta Salad?
This colorful pasta salad is always a hit at summer gatherings, whether you’re serving it for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or a casual backyard BBQ. Save it for later and enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!
▼ Pin This Recipe to Pinterest ▼