Zesty Southwest Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This Zesty Southwest Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by traditional macaroni salads and the vibrant tastes of the Southwestern U.S. Bursting with the freshness of chopped vegetables, a kick from homemade salsa, and a creamy yet tangy dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for summer barbecues or as a satisfying side dish. It brings together the comforting elements of pasta with the crispness of fresh veggies and a touch of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat!
4
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
hardboiled egg
2 (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
fresh salsa
1/4 cup (homemade or refrigerated)
scallions
2 (chopped)
buttermilk
1/4 cup (none)
Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
2
In a large bowl, combine the chopped hardboiled eggs, finely chopped celery, fresh salsa, and chopped scallions.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and fresh ground black pepper until smooth.
4
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
21g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwest Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful fusion dish combining traditional macaroni salad elements with Southwestern ingredients like salsa and cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked bow tie pasta.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 160 calories per serving.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, it is classified as a vegetarian dish, though it contains eggs and dairy.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can use either Miracle Whip or mayonnaise for the dressing.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad features finely chopped celery, chopped scallions, and fresh salsa.
How is the pasta prepared for this salad?
Boil it in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use either homemade or refrigerated fresh salsa.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 6.5g of fat.
What spices provide the 'zesty' flavor?
The zestiness comes from garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground black pepper.
How much protein does this salad provide?
One serving contains 5g of protein.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 1.25g of fiber per serving.
What are the ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of buttermilk, Miracle Whip or mayo, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
How many hardboiled eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped hardboiled eggs.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 21g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, there is a small amount of sugar, approximately 1g per serving.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe uses 11 specific ingredients.
Can this be served at a barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
How should the scallions be prepared?
The 2 scallions should be chopped before being added to the mix.
What makes this salad refreshing?
The combination of fresh vegetables, chilled pasta, and tangy buttermilk dressing makes it refreshing.
Should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid while refrigerating.
What category of cuisine does this fall under?
It is categorized as Southwestern U.S. cuisine.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinsing under cold water is necessary to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
How much buttermilk is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of buttermilk.
Is there a specific way to chop the celery?
The celery should be chopped fine to ensure even distribution.
Can I add more spice to the salad?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or use a spicier salsa to increase the heat.
What is the primary texture of this salad?
It features a mix of creamy dressing, tender pasta, and crisp chopped vegetables.
What is the salt measurement for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt for the dressing mixture.