Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe

This recipe provides a twist on a classic pasta dish. The addition of scallops offers a delightful seafood accent to the flavorful combination of bow tie pasta, fresh mint and kalamata olives. Citrus notes from the oranges and lemon add a refreshing zest, making it a perfect dish for a summer meal or a family gathering.

Photos of Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are pretty common and can be found in your local supermarket. However, kalamata olives and fresh mint might not be in your regular shopping list. Kalamata olives are a variety of olives named after the city of Kalamata in Greece and have a distinct rich and fruity flavor. Sea scallops might require a visit to the seafood section or a seafood market. Also, navel oranges are recommended for their sweet and juicy flesh.

Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops

Bow ties: This is a type of pasta also known as farfalle. They are perfect for salads as their shape traps in the flavors nicely.

Sea scallops: A type of shellfish that is sweet and tender when cooked properly, adding a luxurious touch to the dish.

Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings used to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Olive oil: This is used to cook the scallops and also as a part of the dressing, adding a rich flavor.

Navel oranges: These oranges are sweet, juicy and seedless, providing a refreshing citrus note.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and freshness to balance the flavors.

Kalamata: These are Greek olives that give a rich and fruity taste.

Red onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor.

Fresh mint: Gives a fresh and cool flavor, which pairs well with the citrus.

One reader, Florinda Alderman says:

This bow tie pasta salad with scallops recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender scallops, zesty citrus, and fresh mint creates a burst of flavors that's simply divine. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight treat. Highly recommended!

Florinda Alderman

Key Techniques for Making Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Scallops

How to cook bow tie pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until just done, then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly.

How to sear scallops: Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then sear them in a large nonstick frying pan over moderately high heat until brown and just done, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.

How to prepare oranges: Using a stainless-steel knife, peel the oranges down to the flesh, removing all of the white pith, then cut the sections away from the membranes and put them in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl.

How to make the dressing: In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the orange sections, orange juice, lemon juice, olives, onion, mint, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.

How to assemble the salad: Add the cooked pasta and seared scallops to the bowl with the dressing and stir to combine.

How To Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops

Soft and tender scallops, rich olives, and zesty oranges adds a refreshing and savory bite to this minty bow tie pasta salad dish!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾lbbow ties
1lbsea scallops
¾tspsalt
¼tspfresh ground black pepper
5tbspolive oil
2navel oranges
1tbsplemon juice
½cupkalamata olives,or other black olives
½small red onion
6tbspfresh mint,chopped

Instructions

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.
Season the scallops with ¼ teaspoon of the salt and ⅛ teaspoon of the pepper.
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Sear the scallops, in two batches if necessary, for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until brown and just done. Let cool.
Using a stainless-steel knife, peel the oranges down to the flesh, removing all of the white pith. Cut the sections away from the membranes and put them in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl.
Add the remaining 4 tablespoons oil, the lemon juice, olives, onion, mint, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the pasta and scallops and stir again.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 605.13kcal
Fat: 20.70g
Saturated Fat: 2.98g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.62g
Carbohydrates: 78.86g
Fiber: 5.59g
Sugar: 8.69g
Protein: 25.95g
Cholesterol: 27.22mg
Sodium: 752.10mg
Calcium: 89.88mg
Potassium: 598.14mg
Iron: 3.33mg
Vitamin A: 30.30µg
Vitamin C: 44.78mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Pasta Salad Recipe

When searing scallops, it's crucial to have your pan hot enough to ensure a proper sear without overcooking the delicate seafood. A good tip is to add a drop of water to the pan; if it sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is ready. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the scallops to steam rather than sear. This will give your scallops a beautiful, flavorful crust and a tender, juicy center.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables, marinating the scallops, and cooking the pasta, to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan cooking: Consider using one pan for both searing the scallops and mixing the salad to minimize cleanup and save time.

Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, you can simultaneously prepare the other components of the dish, such as cutting the oranges and mixing the dressing, to save time and be efficient in the kitchen.

Quick sear: Sear the scallops quickly over high heat to achieve a golden brown crust without overcooking them, saving time while ensuring delicious results.

Efficient assembly: Have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before assembling the salad to make the process smooth and efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe

bow ties - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable substitute for bow tie pasta in the salad.
sea scallops - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp can be used as a substitute for scallops, providing a similar seafood flavor and texture in the salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, offering a mild flavor and similar cooking properties.
navel oranges - Substitute with mandarin oranges: Mandarin oranges can be used as a substitute for navel oranges, providing a sweet and citrusy flavor to the salad.
kalamata - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can be used as a substitute for kalamata olives, offering a slightly different flavor profile but still adding a briny and salty element to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onion, providing a milder and sweeter flavor to the salad.
fresh mint - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for fresh mint, adding a fragrant and herbaceous flavor to the salad.

Presentation Tips for Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Scallops

Elevate the pasta: Gently twirl the bow tie pasta into a nest shape using tongs, creating a visually appealing and elegant presentation on the plate.
Scallop arrangement: Arrange the seared scallops in a circular pattern on top of the pasta, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Citrus infusion: Drizzle the orange juice and olive oil dressing over the pasta and scallops, allowing the flavors to infuse and enhance the overall taste.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped mint over the dish to add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma, elevating the visual appeal and flavor profile.
Artful citrus segments: Place the segmented oranges strategically around the plate, adding a burst of vibrant color and a delightful citrusy flavor to the dish.
Final touch with olives: Scatter halved kalamata olives around the plate, providing a savory contrast and a burst of rich, briny flavor to complement the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta Salad With Scallops

Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the bow tie pasta.
Nonstick frying pan: This pan is used for searing the scallops without them sticking to the surface.
Stainless-steel knife: A stainless-steel knife is used for peeling and cutting the oranges.
Large glass or stainless-steel bowl: This bowl is used for mixing the salad ingredients and dressing.
Colander: A colander is used for draining the cooked pasta.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer can be used to extract the juice from the oranges for the salad dressing.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the scallops while searing.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used for stirring the pasta salad and combining the ingredients.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Let the bow tie pasta salad cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, it's best to store the pasta, scallops, and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
For the best texture, add the mint and red onion just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
If you have leftover scallops, store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the salad.
While it's not ideal to freeze this salad due to the delicate nature of the scallops and the texture of the pasta, you can freeze the scallops separately for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding them to the freshly prepared salad.
If you want to prepare the dressing in advance, you can store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using it to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Salad

To reheat leftover bow tie pasta salad with scallops, 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. This method ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the dish, preventing cold spots and overcooked areas.
If you prefer a more crisp texture for your scallops, remove them from the pasta salad before microwaving. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for 30-45 seconds on each side, just until they are warmed through and slightly crisp on the exterior. Add the reheated scallops back to the warm pasta salad.
For a more refreshing taste, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint to the reheated pasta salad. These bright flavors will help to revitalize the dish and make it taste more vibrant.
If you find that the pasta salad has dried out slightly during storage, you can add a small amount of olive oil or water to the dish before reheating. This will help to restore moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry or chewy.
As an alternative to microwaving, you can reheat the bow tie pasta salad in a covered skillet over low heat. Stir the pasta salad occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. This method may take a bit longer than microwaving, but it can help to maintain the texture of the pasta and the other ingredients.

Interesting Trivia About Bow Tie Pasta Salad

The recipe includes sea scallops and kalamata olives, which are both excellent sources of protein and healthy fats.

Is Making Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Scallops Cost-Effective?

This bow tie pasta salad with scallops recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of sea scallops may increase the overall cost, but the dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The incorporation of oranges and kalamata olives adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $35-$40. Rating: 8/10

Is This Pasta Salad Recipe Healthy?

This bow tie pasta salad with scallops recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like scallops, which are a lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and oranges, which provide vitamin C and fiber. The recipe also incorporates fresh mint, adding a burst of flavor and antioxidants. However, there are some areas of concern. The dish is relatively high in fat due to the olive oil, and the kalamata olives contribute additional sodium. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which could be added to boost the overall nutrient content.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing and replace some of it with freshly squeezed orange juice to maintain flavor while cutting down on fat
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or arugula, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for whole grain bow tie pasta to increase the fiber and complex carbohydrates in the dish
Decrease the amount of kalamata olives or replace them with a lower-sodium alternative, such as sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts
Include a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to round out the meal and add more nutrients

Editor's Take on This Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Scallops Recipe

This bow tie pasta salad with seared scallops is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender scallops complement the al dente pasta, while the citrusy orange, briny olives, and fresh mint create a vibrant and refreshing dressing. The dish is well-balanced and offers a delightful contrast of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. The wine recommendation adds a touch of elegance to the overall dining experience. It's a perfect dish for a light and sophisticated meal, showcasing the beauty of simple yet high-quality ingredients.

Enhance Your Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Create a delicious garlic bread with a twist by adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

Grilled Vegetables: Grill a colorful array of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, then drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Fruit Salad: Whip up a refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, then toss with a honey-lime dressing for a burst of citrusy sweetness.

Similar Pasta Salad Recipes to Try

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a zesty herb dressing before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta: Create a creamy and tropical dessert by combining coconut milk and fresh mango puree for a refreshing panna cotta.

Perfect Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Scallops

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Indulge in the freshness of these Caprese skewers, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A delightful and colorful starter for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of decadence.

Berry Parfait: Layer fresh berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a light and refreshing parfait that's perfect for a summer dessert.

Why trust this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The succulent sea scallops are seared to perfection, complementing the al dente bow ties with a burst of freshness from the navel oranges and a zing of acidity from the lemon juice. The addition of kalamata olives and fresh mint elevates the dish, promising a harmonious blend of savory and citrusy notes. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to savor a delectable creation that will undoubtedly impress your palate.

Want to share your experience making this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Scallops Recipe or discuss variations and tips? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Farfalle, penne, or fusilli would work well with this recipe.

Can I substitute the scallops with another type of seafood?

Absolutely! You can substitute the scallops with shrimp, crab meat, or even grilled fish for a delicious variation.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the scallops and add in some grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some marinated tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

What can I serve with this bow tie pasta salad?

This pasta salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, a light soup, or even as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It's versatile and complements many different main courses.