Short Description

This vibrant Bow Tie Pasta Salad features al dente bow tie (farfalle) pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, fresh spinach and basil, all coated in a lemon-pesto dressing. It’s a colorful, flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & summery: Bright flavors from pesto, citrus, and herbs make it refreshing and light.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
Easy to customize: Add olives, grilled chicken, or veggies to suit your preferences.
Long-lasting: Stays delicious and fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Ingredients

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

12 ounces (about 4 cups) dry bow tie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
1 cup fresh spinach, packed and finely chopped
½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons pesto
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until slightly past al dente.
Drain the pasta and toss immediately with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool to room temperature. To speed up the process, rinse quickly under cold water before tossing with oil.
While pasta cooks, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl or jar to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini, spinach, and basil.
Pour the pesto-lemon dressing over the salad. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Gently toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more pesto if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 6–8 as a side dish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Variations

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Veggie-packed: Include cucumbers, roasted peppers, or blanched broccoli.
Olive twist: Toss in halved Kalamata or green olives for extra tang.
Cheese swap: Substitute bocconcini with fresh mozzarella or feta.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds on top.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Fluff & refresh: Toss with a bit more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving to refresh.
Avoid soggy salad: Store any excess liquid from produce separately and toss before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes—rotini, penne, or fusilli work well and hold the dressing nicely.

2. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook until just al dente, rinse under cold water immediately, and toss with olive oil to stop cooking.

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and chill for at least an hour before serving. Flavor improves as it sits.

4. Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes—use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pesto is gluten-free.

5. What if I don’t have bocconcini?

Use fresh mozzarella pearls or cubed feta as excellent alternatives.

6. How do I make it dairy‑free?

Omit cheese or use a dairy-free substitute; hemp seeds or chopped nuts add richness.

7. Can I make this vegan?

Yes—omit cheese and use vegan pesto (check for Parmesan-free). Add chickpeas for protein.

8. How can I make it more colorful?

Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes for visual appeal.

9. Can I pack this for lunch?

Yes—it’s lunchbox-friendly and stays flavorful when chilled.

10. How do I keep it fresh tasting?

Store with a separate small container of dressing (optional) and add fresh herbs before serving.

Conclusion

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a gathering or meal-prepping for the week. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and enjoy every colorful, tasty forkful!

Ezabella