This super simple summertime pasta salad combines bowtie-shaped pasta, fresh veggies, and mozzarella pearls in a zesty champagne vinaigrette dressing. Customize with all your favorite veggies, cheese, or dressings. Perfect for summer cookouts and picnics.
½English cucumber - quartered lengthwise, then diced
1cupcherry tomatoes - halved
8ouncesmozzarella cheese pearls
1cupred or yellow bell pepper - diced
½cupred onion - diced
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions 1-2 minutes past al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop any additional cooking. Set aside.
As the pasta cooks, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large salad or mixing bowl. Once combined, add the cucumber, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, bell pepper, and red onion and gently toss to coat.
As soon as the pasta has been cooked, drained, and cooled slightly (it's ok if the pasta is still warm) add to the bowl and toss well to coat.
Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve with lemon slices and garnish with freshly minced parsley if desired.
Notes
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving as the dressing will settle at the bottom of the bowl as it sits.