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Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Bow Tie Pasta Salad featuring tender bow tie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, fresh spinach and basil, all tossed in a zesty pesto dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

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

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped

Dairy

  • 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons pesto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to heavily season the water. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions or until slightly past al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
  2. Cool the Pasta: To prevent pasta from sticking, toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil. If quick cooling is needed, rinse the pasta briefly under cold water before adding the olive oil. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, halved bocconcini cheese, finely chopped spinach, and chopped basil. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  5. Dress and Season: Pour the prepared pesto dressing over the pasta salad. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more pesto if desired.
  6. Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

Notes

  • To speed up cooling, rinse pasta under cold water before tossing with olive oil.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto depending on its thickness and your flavor preference.
  • For a vegan option, replace bocconcini cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • This pasta salad can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
  • Use fresh basil for best flavor and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: bow tie pasta salad, pasta salad with pesto, Italian pasta salad, bocconcini pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/bow-tie-pasta-salad-recipe/