Monday, August 25, 2014

Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad


So often when it comes to dinner we think heavy protein, some sort of starch, and a vegetable.  But let me ask you this.  Does it always have to follow that example?  I say NO!  In fact, sometimes you just want something light, and easy to throw together.  That is exactly what we are doing with this week's Meatless Monday recipe.  I am going to show you my recipe for a DELICIOUS, veggie packed pasta salad that EVERYONE is going to love!

Let's get started!




Bow Tie Pasta Salad:
*Prep Time:  15 min. *Cook Time:  15 min. *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

Pay no attention to the bacon in this pic.  I took it BEFORE I decided to make it meatless, but that would make a DELICIOUS addition!

  • 1 lb. of Bow Tie Pasta
  • 12 oz. Fresh Broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 Carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup. Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 3 Scallions, chopped
  • Pepperoni (optional)
  • 2 cups Monterrey Jack Cheese, shredded  
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon White Sugar
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • Salt and Pepper

 First things first, you will need to get a pot of salted water on to boil.


While you are waiting for the water to come to a boil go ahead and get all of your veggies prepped and the dressing made.  It will be a wonderful time saver for you.


For the dressing, combine the oil, vinegar, garlic, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.


 Whisk together until smooth and there you go!


By now the water should be boiling so go ahead and add the pasta.
Cook according to the directions on the box.


 Now, I am all about saving time and washing as few dishes as possible so I am going to blanch my fresh vegetables IN my pasta water.  Oh yeah, I said it!  Here it go!
Three minutes before the pasta is ready, add the carrots.


One minute before the pasta is ready, add the broccoli.


When the pasta is ready, drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.


Place in a mixing bowl.


 Then you can add the tomatoes...


Shredded Cheese...


And scallions...


Pour over the sauce and toss everything together until it is coated with the sauce.


There it is, your delicious, fresh, and healthy for you bow tie pasta salad!  As you can see, my husband decided to throw a little pepperoni in ours at the last minute (He didn't "realize" it was Meatless Monday lol).  However you choose to serve this or whatever you decided to add to it, this pasta salad will be a party pleaser as well as a family favorite!  So get out there and go MEATLESS this Monday!!!  

As Always, 

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living, 
~The Kitchen Wife~


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