Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Delight

This sun dried tomato pasta salad brings together Mediterranean flavors in a hearty dish perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a refreshing dinner on warm evenings. The combination of chewy pasta, tangy sun dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella creates an irresistible texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first created this recipe for a neighborhood block party where I needed something that could sit out without wilting. Three neighbors asked for the recipe before the evening ended, and it's now my most requested contribution to summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta: Creates pockets to catch the flavorful dressing and provides the perfect chewy texture
• Oil packed sun dried tomatoes: Deliver intense sweet tomato flavor and provide oil for the dressing
• Fresh mozzarella pearls: Add creamy richness and cooling contrast to the tangy elements
• Baby spinach: Brings fresh color, vibrant nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor
• Garbanzo beans: Provide protein and satisfying texture making this a complete meal
• Artichoke hearts: Contribute meaty texture and subtle nutty flavor
• Shaved Parmesan: Adds savory depth and umami notes that tie everything together
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and herbaceous notes
• Red wine vinegar: Creates the perfect tangy base for the dressing
• Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier while adding subtle complexity
• Dried oregano and thyme: Infuse the dressing with classic Mediterranean flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente usually 8 to 10 minutes. Test by biting into a piece; it should be tender but still firm in the center. Immediately strain pasta through a colander and rinse under cold running water for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing frequently to cool completely. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch ensuring your pasta doesn’t clump together.

Assemble the Salad Base:

Transfer cooled pasta to a large serving bowl with plenty of room for mixing. Add the sun dried tomatoes directly from the jar including some of their flavorful oil. Add the mozzarella pearls, fresh chopped spinach, drained garbanzo beans, and drained artichoke hearts. Scatter the shaved Parmesan over the top. Do not mix yet for the most visually appealing presentation.

Create the Dressing:

Carefully drain the oil from your sun dried tomato jar into a glass measuring cup, noting how much oil you have. Add additional olive oil until you reach exactly 1/2 cup total. Return this oil mixture to the empty sun dried tomato jar for easy shaking. Add the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried thyme, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Securely close the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the dressing becomes cloudy and well emulsified.

Dress and Finish the Salad:

Drizzle approximately 3/4 of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using two large spoons or salad tongs, gently toss the salad ensuring everything is evenly coated with dressing. Add additional dressing if needed until the pasta salad looks glossy but not soggy. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top and give one final gentle toss to incorporate.

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The artichoke hearts are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their magic when I had some leftover from another dish and decided to toss them in. My husband, who claimed to dislike artichokes, ate two full servings and now requests this salad specifically "with extra artichokes, please!"

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting overnight as the pasta absorbs the dressing. If making ahead, consider reserving about 1/4 cup of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid while stored. For best results, let the salad come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving from the refrigerator.

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Clever Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap the bow tie pasta for rotini, penne, or even tortellini for a fun twist. No mozzarella pearls? Cubed mozzarella or crumbled feta work beautifully. The spinach can be replaced with arugula or kale for a different flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and the salad becomes accessible to everyone at your gathering.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant pasta salad as a standalone lunch or alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a more substantial dinner. It pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread and a light soup for a complete meal. For entertaining, present it in a large shallow bowl garnished with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a few extra sun dried tomatoes on top for visual appeal. This dish shines at room temperature, making it perfect for buffets.

Mediterranean Heritage

This pasta salad draws inspiration from the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for both flavor and health benefits. The combination of olive oil, herbs, legumes, and fresh vegetables represents the traditional eating patterns of coastal Mediterranean regions. While authentic Italian pasta salads often feature less ingredients, this Americanized version embraces abundance while maintaining the essence of Mediterranean flavors. The addition of both fresh and sun dried tomatoes honors the Italian tradition of using preserved ingredients alongside seasonal produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If making ahead, consider adding the fresh spinach just before serving to maintain its texture.

→ What can I substitute for artichoke hearts?

If you don't have or enjoy artichoke hearts, try roasted red peppers, olives, cucumber, or even blanched broccoli florets. These alternatives will still provide texture and complement the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

The dish is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the mozzarella pearls and Parmesan cheese, or replace them with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. You could also add extra garbanzo beans or toasted pine nuts for additional protein.

→ How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will keep well for 3-5 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to develop and meld together.

→ What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Bow tie pasta (farfalle) works wonderfully because its shape holds the dressing well and adds visual appeal. Other good alternatives include rotini, penne, or fusilli - any short pasta with ridges or curves to catch the dressing.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley adds a bright, clean flavor and attractive garnish, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if necessary. Remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh, so use about 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe.