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.

I am super excited to share this recipe for Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with you today! Not just because it’s delicious, but because it is a guest post done by my youngest daughter, Josie.  She is planning to guest post on my blog a few times this year, so be looking for her great recipes and stunning photography!  ~Michaela

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Meet Josie

Hello, all! It’s been a while, so I figured I would start this guest blog post by introducing myself. My name is Josie and I am the youngest of Michaela’s four children. Recently, my mom asked me if I would like to guest post on her blog every so often, and without a thought, I said yes!

 

 

I’ve always loved cooking and baking, and feel that I’ve grown up learning from the best! Since I was really little, I have helped my mom with tons of recipes.  Actually, have guest posted on her blog once before. That was 6 years ago when I was 11, when I made this recipe for Red Velvet Truffles.  They are a no-bake treat that are perfect for Valentine’s Day — which is just around the corner! 

 

 

French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad

But today, however,  the talking topic is this French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad!

A few months ago, when my parents were out of town, my oldest brother and his girlfriend, Maizie, were staying at the house with my twin brother and me, and Maizie made us lunch.

When I thought about what recipe I would make, I immediately texted Maizie and asked if she had the recipe for the pasta salad she made us. This recipe is so simple and is also great for a vegetarian diet since it is meatless.  (makes a great Lenten meal — keep this one in your back pocket!)

 

 

Maizie told me that her mom would make it for her and her brothers for lunch over the summer when they were little. She went on to tell me that it was a staple when she was in college and that it has become one of her and Spencer’s favorite things to cook together. I absolutely love this recipe, and I am happy to share it with all of you! 

 

^Love it? Pin It!^

If you want to make sure to find this recipe again when you want to make it, pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you go!

 

 

Ingredients in this Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad:

• Bow Tie Pasta
• Orange Bell Peppers
• Grape Tomatoes
• Mini Cucumbers
• Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt & Pepper
• Brianna’s Home Style Real French Vinaigrette Dressing

You can find the complete printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

 

To start, you will need to boil a box of pasta, until it’s cooked al dente. I prefer bowtie, but any will work.

As the pasta is boiling, slice the cherry tomatoes in half the long way.  Next, slice two mini cucumbers into medallions (little circles). Then you will need to chop up an orange bell pepper into medium-sized pieces.

Combine the pasta and veggies in a large bowl. Add dressing and salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Chill until ready to eat.  

 

 

 

New (to me) Seasonings and Dressings 

I had never heard of Jane’s Krazy Mixed-Up seasonings until I met Maizie and she introduced them to our family. Many families rely on their own staples, and Lawry’s was always our family’s favorite.

So now, thanks to Maizie, this pasta salad is now a family favorite of ours, too, and because of it, my family was introduced to two of our new favorite brands, both Jane’s Krazy Salt & Pepper and Brianna’s Dressing!

This salad is SO easy and it would be great for the big game on February 2nd.

 

 

 

Other Favorite Recipes from An Affair from the Heart

Before I go, I would like to recommend a couple of other recipes that I LOVE from my mom’s blog. No one knows better than me first hand what recipes are the tastiest that have come from our kitchen!

 

Graham Cracker Toffee -Buttery toffee, semi-sweet chocolate, and pecans over graham crackers – make this super easy toffee recipe, perfect for the holidays or anytime!

Crock Pot Reuben Dip – Crockpot Reuben Dip served over rye crackers is the perfect fix it and forget it party food.  That classic sandwich turned dip! A crowd pleaser!

Beer Cheese Pasta – Here in Omaha, we have a place called Spaghetti Works.  This Beer Cheese Pasta Sauce is a copycat of their beloved recipe.

 

And here are a few of my other pasta salad favorites, too!

Pasta Salad– This childhood favorite has a secret ingredient that will surprise you!

Mom’s Macaroni Salad – Summertime is all about family fun, picnics and grilling up good food. My Mom’s Macaroni Salad goes perfectly with whatever you have on the grill!

Creamy Italian Four Bean Pasta Salad – Using simple ingredients from your pantry; pasta, olives and Four Bean Salad, added to some fresh cucumbers and onion, mixed with an easy homemade creamy Italian dressing, and you have a quick and delicious picnic pasta salad!

 

I hope you enjoyed this recipe post from my sweet daughter, Josie!  Like she mentioned this Easy French Vinaigrette Pasta Salad would make a great addition to the football food next weekend!

Let’s get to the recipe!