Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow tie pasta salad always shines as my favorite summer crowd-pleaser. It is fresh colorful and loaded with flavor making it perfect for casual gatherings weeknight dinners or a meal prep star that does not get soggy after a day in the fridge. This is the dish I reach for when I want something easy yet special everyone loves it and you can whip it up in no time.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta: use a good quality dried pasta for the best bite make sure it is cooked just past al dente to absorb the dressing and stay tender
• Cherry tomatoes: sweet juicy and bursting with color try to pick firm glossy ones for maximum flavor
• Red onion: adds sharp freshness dice it finely to avoid overwhelming bites
• Bocconcini cheese: these little mozzarella balls offer creamy richness halve them so they blend into every forkful buy fresh for best results
• Spinach: packs leafy vitamins and a subtle earthy note use fresh and chop finely so it folds in easily
• Basil: the herb that brings everything together choose vibrant bunches for a sweet peppery lift
• Pesto: this is where the salad gets its zing a high quality store-bought or homemade pesto brings herby goodness
• Olive oil: rounds out the dressing opt for extra virgin with a pleasant peppery finish
• Lemon juice: brightens all flavors use freshly squeezed for the most punch
• Salt: use flaky or kosher salt to coax out all the flavors
• Black pepper: freshly cracked gives the whole salad a little spark

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil Salt generously so the pasta is well seasoned Boil the bow tie pasta until it is just a bit past al dente for ideal salad texture Drain thoroughly and while still warm toss gently with a little olive oil so the pasta does not stick Set aside to cool You can run it briefly under cold water before oiling if you need to speed things up

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or mason jar whisk together the pesto olive oil and lemon juice Stir well so you have a creamy even dressing Taste and adjust lemon if you want more tang or oil if you want a silkier feel

Prep the Salad Components:

While the pasta cools slice your cherry tomatoes halve the bocconcini finely chop the spinach and basil and dice the red onion These fresh ingredients should be prepped right before mixing to keep everything crisp

Combine the Salad:

In a big mixing bowl add the cooled pasta cherry tomatoes bocconcini cheese red onion chopped spinach and basil Toss everything lightly to distribute all ingredients evenly without mashing the cheese

Dress and Season:

Pour the dressing over the salad and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper Toss gently so everything is well coated Pause and taste at this stage you can add an extra spoonful of pesto or more lemon if you crave more zing

Chill and Serve:

If time allows cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld for at least half an hour Serve cold or at room temperature It is perfect eaten the same day but even better as leftovers

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Storage Tips

Keep this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days If it seems a bit dry out of the fridge just toss with an extra drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of pesto right before serving

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to use mini mozzarella pearls if bocconcini is not available Sun dried tomatoes can step in for cherry tomatoes if you want more intensity Baby kale makes a nice swap for spinach and short pasta shapes like rotini also work well

Serving Suggestions

Pair alongside grilled chicken fresh fish or burgers for an easy summer meal It travels well for picnics and potlucks and makes a satisfying lunch on its own Top with toasted pine nuts for crunch or extra basil for a pop of green

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A Nod to Italian Roots

This pasta salad takes inspiration from traditional Italian flavors like pesto mozzarella and basil which give it a classic yet fresh taste It is a beautiful example of how Italian cuisine celebrates simplicity and bright ingredients that remind me of sunshine

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute another pasta shape for bow tie pasta?

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

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. Stir before serving to refresh flavors.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish keeps its flavor and texture well when made in advance, making it ideal for meal prep.

→ What type of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto is recommended, but you can use homemade or store-bought for convenience.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as the pesto is vegetarian-friendly, this meal contains no meat or fish.

→ Can I add proteins to this salad?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna are great additions for extra protein and heartiness.