Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A sunny picnic day feels incomplete without a vibrant and refreshing Bow Tie Pasta Salad. This delightful dish combines al dente pasta with colorful vegetables and creamy bocconcini, resulting in a healthy, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. What makes it truly special is the blend of pesto and lemon that brightens every bite.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a simple family dinner. You can make it ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for up to three days, making it a convenient choice for meal prep or a last-minute side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The bow tie pasta adds a playful texture that’s fun to eat.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes provide a burst of juiciness in every bite.
• Bocconcini cheese brings a creamy richness that complements the vegetables.
• The dressing is zesty and can be adjusted to taste for added flavor.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients before you start your cooking adventure.

For the Salad

• 12 ounces dry bow tie pasta
• 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

For the Dressing

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

Note: You can use any small pasta if needed.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use fusilli or farfalle in place of bow tie pasta.
• Swap bocconcini for mozzarella or feta cheese.
• Substitute fresh basil with parsley or arugula.
• Use store-bought dressing instead of homemade.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into the cooking process for this fresh salad.

Cook

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool.

Combine

In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil. Gently mix to avoid breaking the cheese.

Add Pasta

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and gently mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Whisk

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Dress

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated.

Serve

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, it affects pasta texture.
Reheat: not recommended; serve cold or at room temp.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before combining to prevent wilting.
• Adjust the lemon juice based on your taste preference for acidity.
• Let the salad sit for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
• Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside artisan bread for a picnic spread.
• Great as a side dish for summer barbecues.