Imagine a vibrant, delicious meal that's not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a visual masterpiece that will have your friends and followers drooling with envy. Our Bowtie Italian Pasta Salad in Jars is the ultimate summer dish that combines convenience, flavor, and Instagram-worthy presentation in one stunning recipe. Perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a quick lunch, this recipe transforms the classic pasta salad into a portable, eye-catching culinary experience that's as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the bowtie pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and halve the 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, slice the 1/2 cup of black olives, and drain the 1/2 cup of mozzarella balls if they are packed in water.
- Chop the 1/4 cup of fresh basil and set it aside. You can also season with salt and pepper to taste at this stage, but it’s best to wait until the salad is assembled for final adjustments.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Let it drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bowtie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of Italian dressing over the pasta and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve in jars, take four clean mason jars and begin layering the salad. Start with a layer of the pasta salad mixture, pressing it down slightly, then continue layering until the jars are filled, leaving some space at the top.
- Seal the jars with their lids and refrigerate until ready to serve. This pasta salad can be enjoyed cold and is perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and keeps the texture perfect.
- Chill ingredients before assembling: Cold pasta and pre-chilled ingredients help the salad stay fresh and prevent wilting of herbs.
- Layer strategically: When filling jars, start with denser ingredients at the bottom and more delicate items like fresh basil on top to prevent crushing.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance, making it ideal for meal prep and busy schedules.
- Customize your dressing: While Italian dressing works great, feel free to experiment with homemade vinaigrettes or other flavor combinations.
- Use wide-mouth mason jars for easy eating and serving. They're not just pretty – they're practical too!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
