Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad: A Family Favorite Recipe
Discover the effortless charm of this Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad, a delightful blend of bowtie pasta, crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty French Vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion, this simple yet flavorful dish is poised to become your new go-to side.
It fills my heart with joy to present this fantastic recipe for Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad to you today! Not only is it incredibly delicious and simple to prepare, but it also marks a special occasion. This post is a guest contribution from my youngest daughter, Josie. She’s a budding chef and photographer with a passion for creating wonderful dishes, and I couldn’t be prouder to feature her work on the blog. Be sure to look out for more of her delightful recipes and captivating photography throughout the year! ~Michaela
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Meet Josie: My Culinary Journey Continues
Hello, everyone! It feels like ages since I last had the pleasure of sharing a recipe with you, so I thought I’d begin this guest post with a reintroduction. My name is Josie, and I am the youngest of Michaela’s four children. Recently, my mom approached me with the exciting idea of becoming a regular guest blogger on her site, and without a second thought, I enthusiastically agreed! Cooking and baking have always been a huge part of my life, a passion I cultivated growing up in a kitchen filled with delicious aromas and valuable lessons from the very best – my mom!
I’ve been helping my mom with countless recipes since I was a little girl, learning the ins and outs of creating memorable meals and treats. In fact, this isn’t my first guest post! Six years ago, when I was just eleven, I shared my recipe for these delightful Red Velvet Truffles. They are a fantastic no-bake treat, absolutely perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, which is just around the corner, or any time you need a quick, impressive dessert. I’m excited to continue my culinary contributions and share more of my favorite recipes with all of you!
The Story Behind This French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
While I cherish all the dishes I’ve learned, today’s focus is squarely on this incredible French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad. The story of how it became one of my favorites is quite charming. A few months ago, when my parents were away, my oldest brother and his girlfriend, Maizie, were staying at our house with my twin brother and me. Maizie, with her amazing cooking skills, decided to whip up lunch for us one afternoon.
I was immediately captivated by the simple yet profound flavors of her pasta salad. When my mom asked me what recipe I’d like to feature for my next guest post, my mind instantly went to that delicious dish. I wasted no time texting Maizie to ask for her recipe. What makes this recipe truly special is not just its delightful taste, but also its incredible simplicity and versatility. It’s naturally vegetarian, making it an excellent choice for a meatless meal, a light lunch, or even a perfect Lenten dish. It’s definitely one to keep in your recipe rotation!
Maizie shared that this pasta salad was a childhood staple, a dish her mom would often prepare for her and her brothers during summer lunches. It continued to be a go-to during her college years, offering a quick and satisfying meal. Now, it has become one of her and Spencer’s (my oldest brother) favorite recipes to cook together. This recipe truly brings people together through delicious, uncomplicated food, and I’m incredibly excited and honored to share it with all of you, hoping it becomes a beloved dish in your homes too!
^Love It? Pin It!^
Don’t let this amazing recipe slip away! If you’re planning to make this French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board. That way, you’ll always have it handy for your next potluck, BBQ, or simple weeknight meal!
Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
The beauty of this French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad lies in its minimal, fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant and satisfying dish. You’ll find everything you need for this easy recipe right at your local grocery store. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a balanced texture and taste profile that makes this salad so irresistible.
- Bow Tie Pasta: Or Farfalle, for its fun shape and ability to hold dressing perfectly.
- Orange Bell Peppers: Adding a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
- Grape Tomatoes: Bursting with fresh, juicy flavor in every bite.
- Mini Cucumbers: For a refreshing crispness that contrasts beautifully with the pasta.
- Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt & Pepper: A secret weapon for adding incredible depth of flavor.
- Brianna’s Home Style Real French Vinaigrette Dressing: The key to its signature tangy and savory dressing.
You’ll find the complete printable recipe with precise measurements and instructions towards the bottom of this post.
Preparing Your Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad: A Few Simple Steps
To begin this incredibly simple pasta salad, you’ll first need to cook a box of pasta. While I personally love the playful shape of bowtie pasta, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, rotini, or even macaroni would work wonderfully. Cook it according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture – tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which is essential for a great pasta salad.
While your pasta is boiling, you can efficiently prepare your fresh vegetables. Start by slicing the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise. Next, take two mini cucumbers and slice them into delightful medallions, or small circles. Finally, chop up an orange bell pepper into medium-sized pieces – just big enough to add a satisfying crunch without overpowering the other ingredients. These vibrant veggies add both flavor and fantastic color to the salad, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Once your pasta is cooled and your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with all the freshly chopped vegetables. Pour in your favorite French Vinaigrette dressing – we highly recommend Brianna’s Home Style Real French Vinaigrette for its authentic flavor profile. Add a generous sprinkle of Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt and Pepper to taste; this seasoning blend truly elevates the flavors. Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated in the delicious dressing. For optimal flavor and chill, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating an even more enjoyable dish.
Our New Favorite Seasonings and Dressings
Before Maizie introduced us to her famous pasta salad, I had never heard of Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up seasonings. In our household, like many families, we had our own trusted staples, with Lawry’s often being our go-to seasoning blend. However, a culinary revelation occurred when Maizie brought this dish and its key ingredients into our lives. Thanks to her, this French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad has quickly become a cherished family favorite, and in turn, it introduced us to two fantastic brands that are now permanent fixtures in our pantry: Jane’s Krazy Salt & Pepper and Brianna’s Dressing!
Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt and Pepper add an indescribable depth and complexity to dishes, taking them from good to truly great with just a sprinkle. Brianna’s Dressing, especially their French Vinaigrette, offers a home-style flavor that tastes homemade, without any of the effort. These products are truly game-changers for elevating everyday meals. This super easy pasta salad, featuring these incredible ingredients, is not just perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, but also an ideal side dish for entertaining, especially for big game days or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free option.
More Favorite Recipes from An Affair from the Heart
Before I sign off, I’d love to share a few other fantastic recipes from my mom’s blog that I personally adore. Having grown up in our kitchen, I can confidently say that these are some of the absolute tastiest dishes we make! They’re tried, true, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
Graham Cracker Toffee – This recipe is pure magic! Buttery toffee, luscious semi-sweet chocolate, and crunchy pecans are layered over simple graham crackers to create an incredibly easy yet utterly decadent treat. It’s perfect for holiday gifting, special occasions, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth anytime!
Crock Pot Reuben Dip – Imagine the classic Reuben sandwich transformed into a warm, creamy, and irresistible dip! This Crockpot Reuben Dip is the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it party appetizer. Served bubbling hot with crisp rye crackers, it’s always a massive crowd-pleaser and makes entertaining a breeze.
Beer Cheese Pasta – If you’ve ever visited Spaghetti Works in Omaha, you know the legend of their Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce. This copycat recipe brings that beloved, rich, and savory flavor right into your kitchen. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and it’s surprisingly simple to recreate.
And Here Are a Few of My Other Favorite Pasta Salads, Too!
Pasta salads are incredibly versatile and always a hit, especially when the weather warms up or you need a reliable side dish. Here are a few more pasta salad recipes from the blog that I truly love:
Classic Pasta Salad – This childhood favorite holds a special place in my heart, and it has a secret ingredient that gives it an unexpected, delightful twist. It’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to bring back nostalgic memories and create new ones.
Mom’s Macaroni Salad – Summertime truly calls for family fun, picnics, and delicious grilled food. My Mom’s Macaroni Salad is the quintessential side dish for any barbecue or outdoor gathering. Its creamy texture and classic flavors pair perfectly with anything hot off the grill!
Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad – This recipe is a fantastic last-minute option using simple pantry staples. Combining pasta, olives, and a four-bean blend with fresh cucumbers and onions, all tossed in an easy homemade creamy Italian dressing, results in a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying picnic pasta salad. It’s a go-to for busy days!
I sincerely hope you enjoyed this wonderful recipe post from my sweet daughter, Josie! Her Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad is truly a gem and, as she mentioned, it would make an excellent, refreshing addition to your football game spread next weekend, or any gathering you have planned.
Now, without further ado, let’s get straight to the recipe details! 
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Average Rating: 4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe
Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
This Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad is simply made with bowtie pasta, cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes and flavored with French Vinaigrette.
| Prep Time: | 15 mins |
| Total Time: | 15 mins |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Keyword: | easy pasta salad, French Vinaigrette, meatless, pasta salad |
| Servings: | 6 (as a side dish) |
| Calories: | 88 kcal |
| Author: | Michaela Kenkel |
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce package bowtie pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups mini cucumber slices
- 1 small orange bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup Brianne’s French Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1 teaspoon Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Salt
- 1 teaspoon Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up Pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta until it is al dente. Rinse with cold water.
- Combine in a bowl with veggies, salt and pepper, and dressing.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Serves 6 as a side dish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 88kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 549mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g