Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh veggies, bocconcini cheese, and a zesty pesto dressing, it’s an ideal light lunch, side dish for a BBQ, or potluck offering that will surely please a crowd. The combination of bow tie pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and basil creates a fresh, colorful salad that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pesto dressing ties everything together, giving it an aromatic, herby kick that complements the creamy bocconcini cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes. The spinach and basil add freshness, while the pasta holds all the ingredients in place, making each bite satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and can be served immediately or made ahead for a crowd-pleasing dish that gets better with time. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or as a light lunch, this salad will become your go-to recipe!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (4 cups) bow tie pasta, dry

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved

• 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons pesto

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and cook the bow tie pasta in heavily salted water as per package directions, or until slightly past al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil (to prevent sticking), and let it cool to room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can run the pasta under cold water briefly before adding the oil to speed up the cooling process.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice, and whisk until smooth.

3. Once the pasta has cooled, place it in a large bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil, and stir to combine.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to loosen it up.

5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat. Just toss again before serving if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of short pasta for this recipe, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne. The bow tie pasta is simply a fun shape that holds the ingredients well, but any pasta will work.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and crunch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as it sits, so it’s a great make-ahead dish for parties, picnics, or potlucks.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make this pasta salad vegan, you can omit the bocconcini cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also use a vegan pesto to keep the recipe entirely plant-based.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well in this recipe if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the vegetables and pesto dressing may change in texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add a bit of heat, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes into the dressing or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the salad.

Can I use a different cheese instead of bocconcini?

Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella, feta, or any mild cheese you prefer. Just make sure to cut it into small pieces to blend well with the salad.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a boost of protein and make it a more filling meal.

Conclusion

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a BBQ, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The pesto dressing ties together the vegetables and cheese perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this easy, delicious pasta salad!