Bow Tie Sausage Pasta Salad

Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this Bow Tie Sausage Pasta Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that’s equal parts hearty and refreshing. Featuring tender bow tie pasta, savory Italian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil, this recipe delivers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. A tangy homemade dressing with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey ties it all together, while shredded Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy finish. Quick to prepare and served chilled, this pasta salad is an irresistible mix of savory, tangy, and fresh—making it an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference), casing removed
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small Red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup Black olives, sliced
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions for al dente texture, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cooked sausage, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and chopped basil.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top and gently mix again to incorporate.

Step 7

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1704.5 grams (1704.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3245

Total Fat 174.20g	223%
Saturated Fat 46.30g	232%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 199mg	66%
Sodium 6915mg	301%
Total Carbohydrate 329.60g	120%
Dietary Fiber 31.20g	111%
Total Sugars 47.90g
Protein 100.50g	201%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 883mg	68%
Iron 24mg	134%
Potassium 2548mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.7%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 40.1%