This bow tie pasta salad offers a delightful blend of tender pasta, diced ham, sweet peas, and sharp cheddar tossed in a tangy dressing. Perfectly chilled, the harmonious mix of flavors creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that will shine as one of the best side dishes for cookout gatherings.

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I recently made my Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad and it’s quickly become my go-to summer side dish. I cook 12 oz of bow tie pasta until it’s just right then toss it with a homemade dressing made from 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar so you get a perfect balance of creamy and tangy.

I mix in 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup peas (if you’re using frozen, make sure they’re thawed) and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to add heartiness and flavor. The garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper really lift the dish.

Its a simple tossed salad that works great at any potluck or cookout. I like that this pasta salad provides a mix of carbs and protein, making it a filling yet light option that’s both tasty and nutritionally balanced.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how the creamy dressing mixes perfectly with the pasta and ham.
2. I really enjoy the fun texture of the bow tie pasta with its tender bite.
3. I appreciate how easy it is to make and that it chill outs nicely for summer gatherings.

This easy bow tie pasta salad recipe is seriously the best summer side dish ever! The pasta comes out super tender and gets mixed with a homemade dressing, ham, cheese, and peas, making it a really fun dish to share with friends. It ain’t too hard to whip up and always brings a smile to my face when we have it on the table.

Ingredients

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12 oz bow tie pasta: Carbs give energy and a hearty base for our salad.
1 cup diced ham: Provides protein with a savory, salty flavor that makes it tasty.
1 cup peas: These bring fiber and vitamins while adding a subtle natural sweetness.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers rich protein and a creamy, melty texture.
Mayonnaise and sour cream: They lend a thick, tangy creaminess to bind everything.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers a sharp, refreshing tang to balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic and onion powders: Enhance the flavor with bold, savory hints.
Salt and pepper: Perfectly season the salad and boost the overall taste.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz bow tie pasta

1 cup diced ham

1 cup peas (if using frozen, make sure they’re thawed)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Boil a large pot of water and cook the 12 oz bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder until smooth.

3. Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper to your liking then set it aside.

4. While the pasta is cooling, gather 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup peas (make sure they are thawed if you’ve used frozen ones), and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the ham, peas and cheese.

6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything really well so that every piece is coated evenly.

7. Check the seasoning one more time and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

9. Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

10. Enjoy this creamy, tasty salad at your next summer gathering or as a side dish for your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling water on the stove
2. A colander or strainer to drain the pasta
3. A mixing bowl for whisking the dressing together
4. A large bowl for combining the pasta, ham, peas, and cheese
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts
6. A spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the ingredients
7. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl while chilling
8. A refrigerator to set the salad in for at least an hour

FAQ

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?

Yeah, you can use any pasta you have on hand. But honestly, bow tie pasta works best since it holds the creamy sauce really well.

Q: Can I swap out the ham for another protein?

For sure, you can use grilled chicken or even turkey if that's what ya prefer. Just make sure it's cut into similar sized chunks.

Q: What if I dont have both mayonnaise and sour cream?

No worries, you can use plain greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in a pinch or use just mayo if thats what ya got.

Q: How do I ensure the peas dont ruin the texture?

If you are using frozen peas, defrost them and drain off any extra water so the salad doesnt get watery.

Q: How long can I store this pasta salad?

You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but its best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat it within a day or two.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the diced ham, you can use smoked turkey or even cooked chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
If you don’t have peas, try chopped broccoli or green beans. They add a nice crunch and mixin up the flavors.
Instead of cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Colby cheese works pretty well and gives you a slightly different flavor.
Swap the mayo with plain Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier twist and still want that creamy taste.

Pro Tips

1. Try rinsing the pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop it from cooking further, otherwise it can get too soft.
2. Taste your dressing before mixing it in and feel free to add a little more salt, pepper or even vinegar if you think it needs a bit of extra zing.
3. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for a couple of hours if you can, because the extra time really helps the flavors blend together better.
4. You might wanna add in a few more mix-ins like chopped celery or red onions to give it an extra crunch and more depth of flavour.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

473

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large pot for boiling water on the stove
2. A colander or strainer to drain the pasta
3. A mixing bowl for whisking the dressing together
4. A large bowl for combining the pasta, ham, peas, and cheese
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts
6. A spoon or spatula for stirring and tossing the ingredients
7. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl while chilling
8. A refrigerator to set the salad in for at least an hour

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup diced ham
1 cup peas (if using frozen, make sure they’re thawed)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Boil a large pot of water and cook the 12 oz bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder until smooth.
Taste the dressing and add salt and pepper to your liking then set it aside.
While the pasta is cooling, gather 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup peas (make sure they are thawed if you've used frozen ones), and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the ham, peas and cheese.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything really well so that every piece is coated evenly.
Check the seasoning one more time and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Enjoy this creamy, tasty salad at your next summer gathering or as a side dish for your meal!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.