A light and tangy pasta salad featuring bowtie shapes. This salad is a summer staple and is sprinkled with feta, fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.

Bowtie Pasta SaladPasta Salad is a favorite side dish in our house. One of my favorite types of pasta to use in a salad are bowties! Bowtie pasta is one of the prettiest pasta styles and their size is perfect for a good bite. This Bowtie Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with our Honey BBQ Chicken or Honey Garlic Baked Salmon.
Our window box herb garden is flourishing and has several herbs that were ripe for the picking! Currently, we have several basil plants, spinach, and cilantro that have been enabling my family to eat fresh out of the soil herbs.
I have to admit, there really is nothing better than fresh herbs and veggies in a dish! The flavors are those of which you simply cannot mimic with store bought varieties.
Bowtie pasta has always been a variety that I have admired due to it’s adorable shape. I wanted a colorful and kid friendly salad that my picky eaters could enjoy. This Feta, Basil, Tomato and Bowtie Pasta Salad received 8 thumbs up so it was a big score for mom!
Next time, I have to make more because they all wanted seconds! I suggest doubling this recipe for parties and cookouts!
Fresh Basil and Feta Cheese Take this Bowtie Pasta to a New Level!
The fresh basil, and feta really make this pasta salad a winner in my book!
The sweet, and bold basil flavor paired with the saltiness of the feta cheese and garlicky oil are perfect for those who love flavors that pop!
Flavor Tip:
Allow the flavors to meld in the fridge for 1-24 hours. It allows the bowtie pasta and veggies to absorb all the garlicky goodness the oil and vinegar produce.

What you need:
- Bowtie pasta- 12 ounces
- Feta cheese- 8 ounces
- Fresh garlic -2 cloves minced
- Olive oil- 1/2 cup
- Balsamic vinegar- 1/3 cup
- Cherry tomatoes- 1 package
- Basil-1/2 cup sliced
- salt, pepper- to taste
Be sure to print this recipe below! This pasta salad is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or delicious side dishes! Perhaps, you will even have access to fresh tomatoes and basil which make all the difference.
If you like this recipe, you’ll also like our Greek Pasta Salad with Feta & Sausage and Bacon, Spinach Caramelized Onion Pasta recipes!
Feta, Basil, Tomato and Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Bowtie Pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced Basil
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Boil bowtie pasta until al dente.
- Slice cherry tomatoes.
- Finely Mince garlic.
- Slice basil into strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic and spices.
- Add pasta, tomatoes, basil and feta to a large glass bowl.
- Pour dressing over the top and stir.
- Cover tightly and place it in the fridge for at least an hour to chill and marinate.
- Serve as a meal or side dish.
Hi, I would use 1/2 teaspoon personally!
How much bail would you use if you don’t have fresh Basil, just the spice jar type?
I added black pitted olives, not calamata. I have been making this pasta for a long time. One of my husbands favorite.
I put it in the fridge for an hour, but bring it to room temperature before dinner. I also add grated cheese if you like.
Excellent flavor! We have this very often. A family hit!!
Thanks
Hi, any amount really, but I used 1/2 cup :)
This sounds great but the recipe doesn’t show how much feta….?
Hi, it fed 8 people as a side dish here.
Hi! How many does this recipe feed?
I added red spinach about 3/4 #…yummy!
This is a yummy looking salad! I will try this with quinoa pasta. My kids will love this
Your herb garden looks fantastic, and this dish looks so yummy! Perfect for summer!
I love fresh pasta salads for summer– and feta is one of my favorites. This sounds like something quick and good for lunch or dinner.
This looks super-easy to make and great for warm summer days. Yum!
This a a perfect summer time meal and I love feta cheese
Bowtie pasta works so well for salads. I just love it and this looks great!
That looks so refreshing. A perfect pasta salad for the summer time :)
that just looks so yummy. I think I will be adding this to my list of meals to make this summer.
This is the kind of food I live on in the summer. The fresh basil and veggies are so delicious.
This looks like the perfect pasta salad for summer. I love the flavor combination.
I love bowtie pasta too. This salad looks really good!
That is one of the most appealing salads I’ve seen all week. It looks so, so good!
I love that the summer recipes are starting to come out. This is one I would definitely love – even my youngest would give this a try – tomatoes and pasta are two of his favorite things.
Bow tie pasta is my favorite pasta ever, I love the bow ties that have multi colors on it too my kids think it’s the coolest thing ever so this would be a great kid friendly recipe if only I could get them to eat feta cheese.
Feta cheese is the best cheese on the face of the earth. I think this sounds SO good.