Will DickeyYields: 10 - 12 serving(s)Prep Time: 10 minsTotal Time: 15 minsSavePrintWarm, sunny days call for refreshing cold lunch ideas, and this bow tie pasta salad is exactly what you want. Not only does it have ham and cheese, but also crunchy bell pepper, flavorful green onion, and green peas. The pasta's distinctive bow tie (or butterfly) shape adds an element of fun and provides plenty of folds and ridges for the bright, creamy dressing to cling to. It's one of the best barbecue sides and picnic side dishes that comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it's one of those pasta salads that tastes even better when it's made in advance!
You can use almost any type of cooked ham, whether it's smoked, roasted, or glazed. Cube up leftover holiday ham if you have it, or just visit your local deli. You'll want to request thick-cut slices so they can be cubed. Thin sandwich slices won't work as well for this recipe.
If you find yourself wandering down the pasta aisle unable to spy a box labeled "bow tie pasta," don't worry! With frilled edges and a pinched center, bow tie pasta gets its name from its shape. You might also see it labeled with its Italian name, "farfalle," which translates to butterfly. No matter what you call it, this shape of pasta is darn cute!