Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Tomato, Basil, and Capers
This vibrant Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and briny capers, this salad is bursting with fresh flavors and textures. With two generous cups per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that helps you watch your weight without sacrificing taste. At only 315 calories per serving, this dish perfectly balances wholesome ingredients with delightful tastes, making it a fantastic choice for a light lunch or dinner.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bow tie pasta
4 cups (Cooked)
Cherry tomatoes
4 cups (Halved)
Fresh basil
1/3 cup (Thinly sliced)
Olives
1/4 cup (Chopped and pitted)
Capers
2 tablespoons (Not prepared)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Not prepared)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (Not prepared)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (Not prepared)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Not prepared)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Red wine vinegar
to taste (Optional)
Instructions
1
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bow tie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced basil, chopped olives, capers, minced garlic, and the remaining seasonings.
3
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
For an extra tangy touch, you can drizzle red wine vinegar over each serving just before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring bow tie pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olives, and capers, tossed in a light dressing.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta salad?
Each serving of this Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad contains approximately 315 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 generous servings.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is approximately two cups per person.
Is this Mediterranean pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
How much pasta do I need?
You will need 4 cups of cooked bow tie pasta.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I add vinegar to this salad?
Yes, you can drizzle red wine vinegar over each serving just before serving for an extra tangy touch.
What herbs are used in this dish?
Fresh basil is the primary herb, which should be thinly sliced.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic that have been minced.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe include 1/4 cup of chopped and pitted olives.
What provides the briny flavor in the salad?
The combination of capers and olives provides the signature briny Mediterranean flavor.
Does this recipe have any spice?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
How much salt is used in the salad?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is low in cholesterol.
How do I cool the pasta after cooking?
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this Mediterranean pasta salad.
Can this be eaten for lunch?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner.
What seasonings are included besides salt and red pepper?
The recipe also calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Gently toss all ingredients in a large mixing bowl after drizzling with olive oil.
Is this recipe good for weight management?
The description notes it is a satisfying meal that helps watch weight while offering fresh flavors.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil.
Are the capers prepared in a specific way?
No specific preparation is required for the 2 tablespoons of capers.
Can I use regular olive oil?
While regular olive oil works, the recipe specifies extra virgin olive oil for better flavor.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, easy meal, vegetarian, and pasta salad.
How many cups of cherry tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of halved cherry tomatoes.
Is red wine vinegar required?
No, it is listed as an optional ingredient to be added to taste.
What is the primary vegetable in this salad?
Cherry tomatoes are the primary vegetable used in this dish.