Creamy Poppy Seed Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Creamy Poppy Seed Bow Tie Pasta Salad, a favorite at family reunions and potlucks. This vibrant salad combines tender bow tie pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp broccoli, crunchy carrots, refreshing cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, tossed in a rich poppy seed dressing that is both sweet and tangy. Perfectly creamy and full of flavor, this dish can also double as a crowd-pleasing side or a light main dish. The versatile dressing is equally delicious on coleslaw or atop a mixed greens salad, making it a staple that you'll find yourself making again and again. Just remember to chill it for at least an hour to let all those wonderful flavors meld together before serving.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions, then rinsed with cold water)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
broccoli florets
2 cups (fresh, cut into small pieces)
sliced carrot
1 cup (fresh, sliced)
diced cucumber
1 cup (fresh, diced)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
chopped green onion
½ cup (fresh, chopped)
cider vinegar
½ cup (none)
sugar
½ cup (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ground mustard
½ teaspoon (none)
salt
½ teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
1 cup (none)
poppy seeds
4 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot and cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
3
3. In a blender, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, an additional chopped green onion, ground mustard, and salt. Blend on a low setting until mixed thoroughly.
4
4. While the blender is running, gradually add the vegetable oil to the vinegar mixture, blending until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
5
5. Finally, stir in the poppy seeds. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
6
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
22g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Poppy Seed Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring bow tie pasta, fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, and a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes fresh broccoli florets, sliced carrots, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
How do I make the poppy seed dressing?
Blend cider vinegar, sugar, garlic, green onion, ground mustard, and salt, then gradually add vegetable oil before stirring in poppy seeds.
How long should the pasta salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Poppy Seed Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I use the dressing for other salads?
Yes, the versatile poppy seed dressing is also excellent on coleslaw or mixed greens.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the cooked bow tie pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Cider vinegar is used in this recipe to provide the necessary tanginess for the dressing.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
Is there protein in this salad?
Yes, there are 3.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar to create a sweet and tangy balance.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I ensure the dressing is creamy?
Gradually adding the vegetable oil while the blender is running helps emulsify the mixture into a creamy consistency.
How many poppy seeds are needed?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
Is fresh garlic required?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove to be blended into the dressing.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is a favorite for family reunions, potlucks, and as a summer side dish.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be fresh and cut into small florets for the best texture.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, while the recipe specifies broccoli, carrots, and cucumber, you can customize it with your favorite fresh produce.
How much oil is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 cup of vegetable oil.
What size should the carrots be?
The carrots should be fresh and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Is there mustard in the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard is included for flavor.
How are the cherry tomatoes prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being tossed into the salad.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can this be a main dish?
Yes, it can serve as a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light main course.
What color are the onions used?
The recipe uses green onions for a mild, fresh flavor.
How much pasta is in one batch?
One batch uses a standard 16-ounce package of bow tie pasta.
Is the salad served warm?
No, this pasta salad should be served chilled.