This bow tie pasta salad recipe is a perfect blend of Italian flavors, marrying the tang of fennel, the saltiness of prosciutto, and the sharpness of parmesan. The dish is a great option for a summer picnic or a family gathering, leaving a refreshing and savory taste in every bite. The pasta salad is not only easy to prepare, but its rich and diverse textures will make it a hit amongst your friends and family.
Photos of Bow Tie Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan Recipe
The main ingredients in this recipe are bow tie pasta, fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese. The fennel might not be a common ingredient in your pantry. Its texture is similar to that of celery, but its taste has a unique anise-like flavor. You can generally find fennel in the produce section of your supermarket. Prosciutto, an Italian dry-cured ham, is typically located in the deli section.
Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan
Bow ties: These are a type of pasta shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. They hold up well in salads and offer a pleasing texture.
Fennel bulb: This vegetable has a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor. The bulb is used for its crisp texture and mild flavor.
Olive oil: Used for its rich and fruity flavor, it brings together the salad ingredients.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy kick, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Prosciutto: This Italian dry-cured ham offers a salty flavor and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Parmesan cheese: A hard, granular cheese that adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish.
One reader, Kellie Oliveira says:
This bow tie pasta salad is a game-changer! The combination of fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan creates a burst of flavors that dance on your taste buds. The freshness of the fennel and the saltiness of the prosciutto perfectly complement each other. It's a must-try for any pasta lover!
Techniques Required for Making Bow Tie Pasta Salad
How to cook the bow ties: Boil the bow ties in a large pot of salted water until just done, about 15 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly.
How to slice the fennel: Cut off the stalks, cut the bulb in half from the top through the root end, lay each half flat-side down, and slice.
How to serve the salad: Mound the salad on plates, top with strips of parmesan shaved from the chunk of cheese with a vegetable peeler or with the grated parmesan, and sprinkle the remaining pepper over the cheese.
How To Make Bow Tie Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan
Tender-crisp fennel and savory prosciutto makes this delectable bow tie salad a belly-filling meal! Serve up a batch in less than 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½lbbow ties
- 1large fennel bulb,(about 1 lb)
- ¼cupolive oil
- 2tbsplemon juice
- ¼tspsalt
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- ¼lbprosciutto,thin sliced
- ¼lbparmesan cheese,(1 chunk)
Instructions
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the bow ties for about 15 minutes until just done. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
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In a large bowl, toss together the bow ties, fennel, oil, lemon juice, salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper. Add the prosciutto and toss again.
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Mound the salad on plates. Top with strips of Parmesan shaved from the chunk of cheese with a vegetable peeler or with the grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper over the cheese
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 521.36kcal
- Fat: 24.21g
- Saturated Fat: 7.54g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.31g
- Carbohydrates: 49.43g
- Fiber: 4.20g
- Sugar: 4.81g
- Protein: 26.38g
- Cholesterol: 39.12mg
- Sodium: 1195.95mg
- Calcium: 388.43mg
- Potassium: 612.65mg
- Iron: 1.93mg
- Vitamin A: 93.88µg
- Vitamin C: 11.73mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Bow Tie Pasta Salad
When shaving the parmesan cheese for this recipe, it's best to use a vegetable peeler for thin, even strips. This not only enhances the presentation of the dish but also ensures that the cheese will melt slightly when it comes into contact with the warm pasta, adding a creamy texture to the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-grated parmesan: Opt for pre-grated parmesan to skip the step of shaving the cheese, saving time and effort.
Quick cook pasta: Use quick-cook bow tie pasta to reduce the cooking time and get the dish on the table faster.
Multi-task: While the pasta is cooking, prep the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Efficient slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the fennel, saving time and ensuring even cooking.
Make it a meal: Double the recipe and enjoy the leftovers for a quick and delicious meal the next day.
Streamline cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup, making the whole process more efficient.
Smart storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for a quick and convenient grab-and-go meal option.
Substitute Ingredients For Bow Tie Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan Recipe
bow ties - Substitute with penne or farfalle: Penne or farfalle can be used as a substitute for bow ties in this recipe as they have a similar shape and texture, and will hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
fennel bulb - Substitute with celery or leeks: Celery or leeks can be used as a substitute for fennel in this recipe to provide a similar crunchy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice to add a tangy acidity to the dressing.
prosciutto - Substitute with pancetta or ham: Pancetta or ham can be used as a substitute for prosciutto, providing a similar salty and savory flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano or asiago cheese: Pecorino Romano or asiago cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, offering a similar nutty and salty flavor to the salad.
Presenting Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan
Elevate the plating: Present the bow tie pasta salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan are evenly distributed for a balanced and enticing presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a variety of textures by layering the tender bow tie pasta with crisp fennel, delicate prosciutto, and the rich, nutty parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and mouthfeel.
Highlight the freshness of ingredients: Showcase the vibrant colors and freshness of the fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan to emphasize the quality and natural beauty of the dish.
Balance flavors: Ensure that the flavors of the fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan are well-balanced, allowing each ingredient to shine without overpowering the others, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste experience.
Create a focal point: Arrange the salad in a way that draws attention to the key ingredients, such as layering the prosciutto in an artful manner or using the parmesan shavings to create an eye-catching focal point on the plate.
Utilize complementary garnishes: Consider incorporating fresh herbs or edible flowers as a garnish to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the presentation, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize precision in plating: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the salad is meticulously arranged to demonstrate attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Consider the vessel: Select a suitable plate or bowl that complements the colors and textures of the salad, enhancing the overall presentation and creating a visually stunning dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making This Pasta Salad Recipe
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks, such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing various components of a dish.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the outer skin of vegetables or fruits.
Grater: Used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Large pot: Used for boiling pasta, blanching vegetables, and preparing large batches of soups or stews.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used to drain water from cooked pasta or vegetables.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the outer skin of vegetables or fruits.
Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the outer skin of vegetables or fruits.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Pasta Salad Recipe
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for bow tie pasta salad with fennel, prosciutto and parmesan:
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fennel may lose some of its crunch over time, but the flavors will meld together nicely.
- If you want to make this salad ahead of time, prepare the bow tie pasta, fennel, and dressing separately. Store the cooked pasta and sliced fennel in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a jar or sealed container in the fridge as well.
- When you're ready to serve, toss the pasta, fennel, and dressing together in a large bowl. Add the prosciutto and freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese just before serving to maintain their best texture and flavor.
- It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the pasta and fennel will become mushy and unappetizing once thawed. The prosciutto and parmesan cheese also won't freeze well and may lose their flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Salad
- To reheat leftover bow tie pasta salad with fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the pasta salad on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval. Continue this process until the salad reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the bow tie pasta to become mushy and the prosciutto to turn tough.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the bow tie pasta salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help maintain its moisture. Gently stir the salad as it reheats, ensuring even heat distribution. This method may take a bit longer than the microwave, but it can help preserve the texture of the ingredients.
- If you find that the reheated bow tie pasta salad has dried out slightly, you can revive it by adding a small amount of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the salad gently to redistribute the dressing and restore its flavor.
- Once the bow tie pasta salad is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, or even some extra parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the reheated bow tie pasta salad immediately, garnished with additional shaved parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and revitalized leftover pasta salad!
Interesting Trivia About Bow Tie Pasta Salad
The fennel in this recipe is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and even as a flavorful addition to roasted meats. Fennel is also known for its digestive properties and is often used as a natural remedy for indigestion and bloating. Additionally, it contains essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for incorporating into your meals. So, next time you're making a dish with fennel, consider the added health benefits it brings to the table.
Is Making This Pasta Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
This bow tie pasta salad with fennel, prosciutto and parmesan recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan cheese, can be a bit pricey, but the dish serves 4 and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The dish's unique combination of ingredients and flavors earns it a solid 8/10 rating.
Is This Pasta Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
The bow tie pasta salad with fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. However, from a nutritional standpoint, it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed meat (prosciutto), which is high in sodium and saturated fat. Consuming excessive amounts of these can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
- Parmesan cheese, while delicious, is also high in saturated fat and calories. Using a large amount of cheese can significantly increase the overall calorie count of the dish.
- The recipe calls for a considerable amount of olive oil, which, although a healthy fat, can still add a substantial number of calories to the meal.
On the positive side, the inclusion of fennel provides some essential vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber. The bow tie pasta, if made from whole grain, can also contribute to a healthier dish.
To make this pasta salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of prosciutto or replace it with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp
- Use a smaller amount of parmesan cheese, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Decrease the amount of olive oil used, or replace some of it with a lower-calorie alternative like chicken or vegetable broth
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or arugula, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Choose whole grain bow tie pasta to boost the fiber content and provide a more filling meal
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious pasta salad that still retains its delicious flavors.
Editor's Take on This Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan Pasta Salad
This bow tie pasta salad with fennel, prosciutto, and parmesan is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispness of the fennel, the saltiness of the prosciutto, and the nuttiness of the parmesan create a harmonious balance. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while the olive oil brings everything together. The wine recommendation of prosecco is a perfect match, enhancing the overall dining experience. This dish is a wonderful choice for a light and elegant meal, perfect for a summer gathering or a sophisticated lunch.
Enhance Your Bow Tie Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Why trust this Bow Tie Salad with Fennel, Prosciutto and Parmesan Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring fresh and vibrant ingredients such as fennel, savory prosciutto, and rich parmesan cheese. The use of lemon juice adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the olive oil enhances the overall taste. The careful instructions ensure that the bow ties are perfectly cooked and the salad is well-balanced. Trust in the quality and harmony of these ingredients to create a memorable and satisfying dish.
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