Name: Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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 and finely chopped; 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons pesto; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1/2 lemon; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this recipe is to put together in just about 25 minutes. The pesto dressing adds a rich, herby flavor that ties everything together beautifully. I also enjoy how versatile it is, since I can adjust the ingredients depending on what I have on hand. It is perfect as a side dish or even as a light main meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces bow tie pasta, dry

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved

1 cup spinach, packed and finely chopped

1/2 cup basil, finely chopped

3 tablespoons pesto

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt

Black pepper

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the bow tie pasta until slightly past al dente. Once cooked, I drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then let it cool to room temperature.

While the pasta cooks, I prepare the dressing by whisking together the pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.

Once the pasta has cooled, I add it to a large bowl along with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil. I gently mix everything together.

I pour the dressing over the salad, season with salt and black pepper, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, sometimes adding a bit more pesto depending on how strong I want the flavor.

Servings and timing

I get about 8 servings from this recipe. The total time is around 25 minutes, including preparation and cooking.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling. When I want extra crunch, I include toasted pine nuts or walnuts.

I also like swapping spinach with arugula for a peppery flavor. For a different twist, I add sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

storage/reheating

I store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I find the flavors develop even more over time.

Since this is a cold dish, I do not reheat it. I simply give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often make it a few hours in advance or even the day before. It holds up very well in the fridge.

What type of pesto works best?

I usually use basil pesto, but any variety works depending on my taste.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

I sometimes use penne or fusilli if I do not have bow tie pasta.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

I toss it with a small amount of olive oil after draining and let it cool properly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

I skip the bocconcini or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

I find this bow tie pasta salad to be one of the easiest and most refreshing dishes I can make. It is full of fresh ingredients, simple to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Whenever I need a quick and flavorful meal or side, this is a recipe I enjoy coming back to.