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Creamy Bow Tie Salad

Featured in Midday Meal Inspiration.

Whip up this flavorful salad with bow tie pasta, veggies, ham, and cheese, mixed with a homemade creamy dressing. It's fantastic for warm-weather events and can be prepped ahead.

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Ranah
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:01:40 GMT
Close-up of a creamy bow tie pasta salad with ham, veggies, and peas. Pin it
Close-up of a creamy bow tie pasta salad with ham, veggies, and peas. | chefemmakitchen.com

Absolutely Addictive Warm Weather Pasta Mix

I've tweaked this Smooth Farfalle Pasta Mix over many backyard parties and now it's the dish everyone begs me about. The soft pasta combines with my personal dressing creation plus diced ham, gooey cheese, garden peas, crunchy onions and bright peppers. There's something wonderful when these tastes blend together, making this the highlight at every cookout, community dinner and outdoor family meal.

Your Go-To Accompaniment

This pasta mix has locked down a steady spot in my hot weather food lineup. It works amazingly alongside anything you've grilled, but I'll admit I whip it up during winter months too. Those adorable farfalle shapes trap every drop of the smooth dressing, delivering mouthfuls of pure delight. Whenever I show up with this dish, folks track me down wanting to know how to make it.

Why It Stands Out

  • Pasta: Those butterfly shapes really grab everything else in their little creases.
  • Ham: The small ham chunks bring wonderful salty spots throughout.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheese gets a bit melty against the pasta, creating incredible taste.
  • Peas: Little bursts of green sweetness that brighten each forkful.
  • Onions: Just the right amount for that zingy bite and texture.
  • Bell Peppers: They add stunning colors and refreshing snap.
A close-up of creamy pasta salad featuring bow-tie pasta, red and yellow bell pepper, and green peas in a light sauce. Pin it
A close-up of creamy pasta salad featuring bow-tie pasta, red and yellow bell pepper, and green peas in a light sauce. | chefemmakitchen.com

Magic Happens in the Dressing

Mixing the Ultimate Topper
My unique combo of smooth mayo, zesty mustard and sweet pickle relish comes together as a sauce that perfectly coats every pasta piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely, it tastes even better after chilling for up to a day in the fridge.

→ How can I stop the pasta from clumping?

Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water and toss it in a little dressing to keep it loose.

→ What other pasta shapes work?

Feel free to try penne, shells, or rotini. Anything similar in size works perfectly.

→ What if I don't have ham?

Diced turkey, grilled chicken, or skipping the meat altogether makes for a tasty vegetarian option.

→ Why does it go dry over time?

Pasta tends to soak up the dressing. Keep some extra dressing aside to mix in right before serving.

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This pasta side is loaded with fresh peas, ham, peppers, and cheese, all mixed in a smooth, creamy dressing. Ideal for potlucks and sunny days.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Lunch

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 big bowl)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound bow tie pasta.
02 1 cup cooked ham, diced.
03 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into cubes.
04 3 tablespoons sweet or dill relish.
05 1/2 cup frozen peas that are thawed.
06 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper.
07 1/2 small white or sweet onion, chopped.
08 1 cup mayo.
09 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
10 1 teaspoon yellow mustard.
11 2 tablespoons sugar.
12 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
13 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Step 02

Stick the dressing in the fridge while you get the salad ready.

Step 03

Boil pasta until it has a nice firm bite.

Step 04

Use a colander to drain the pasta, then run cold water over it.

Step 05

Toss the pasta together with the other salad pieces.

Step 06

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a good mix.

Step 07

Pop it in the fridge for about an hour before digging in.

Notes

  1. Awesome for prepping ahead.
  2. Ideal for outdoor get-togethers.
  3. Switch up the vegetables to your liking.
  4. Can be kept in the fridge for three days.
  5. Mix it up again right before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot to cook the pasta.
  • Bowls for mixing.
  • Strainer for draining pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese).
  • Contains wheat (pasta).
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
  • Protein: 15 g