Go Back
–+ servings
child serving up bowl of bowtie pasta salad with chopped veggies
Print

Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Veggies (Vegetarian, Kid-Friendly)

Light, fresh bow tie pasta salad packed with colorful veggies and tossed in homemade balsamic vinaigrette — perfect for picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknights!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 539.6kcal
Author Marcie & Julie

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large bowl

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 4 teaspoons Kosher salt divided (2 tsp for pasta water and 2 tsp for salad)
  • 1 lb bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped into quarters
  • 1 cup bell pepper roughly chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes halved
  • 15 oz garbanzo beans drained & rinsed
  • 2 Tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • Optional: shredded parmesan cheese

Dressing

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot with water and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Bring to a boil and add pasta. Cook according to pasta package directions. Strain and rinse with cold water.
  • Meanwhile, you can prep your veggies and fruit. When pasta is done, combine pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, grapes and beans in a large bowl.
  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a Pyrex or small bowl. Whisk vigorously.
  • Immediately pour half the dressing over salad and toss. Taste test to see if it needs more. When you have the perfect amount of dressing, add the remaining 2 teaspoons salt and the pumpkin seeds. Toss again, and serve.

Notes

  • Save time. Bring pasta water to a boil faster by placing a lid on your pot.
  • Don't overcook. Prepare pasta al dente, which will prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Cool pasta. Be sure to rinse the hot pasta in cold water before combining with other ingredients.
  • Taste test. Put the balsamic vinaigrette on the salad in increments, taste-testing along the way to get your perfect balance of flavor. You DO NOT have to use all the vinaigrette.
  • Make ahead. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store in fridge until ready to serve. Allowing this pasta salad dish to marinate will only make it more flavorful!
  • My favorite! - Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and fresh herbs atop the salad. It takes it to next level!

Nutrition

Serving: 6 servings | Calories: 539.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 87.5g | Protein: 17.9g | Fat: 13.8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7.7g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 1563.8mg | Potassium: 554.4mg | Fiber: 9.2g | Sugar: 14.6g | Vitamin A: 832.1IU | Vitamin C: 39.1mg | Calcium: 64.8mg | Iron: 3.7mg