Bow Tie Pasta Salad – A Fresh & Flavorful Summer Side

Introduction

Nothing says summer quite like a colorful and refreshing pasta salad—and this Bow Tie Pasta Salad is everything you love about a seasonal side dish. Packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, baby spinach, and tossed in a basil pesto dressing, it’s a vibrant, delicious way to serve up your greens and carbs in one beautiful bowl.

This dish is light yet filling and perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners. It’s also an excellent make-ahead option for meal prep because it stays delicious even after a few days in the fridge. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for something quick and satisfying, this pasta salad offers a well-rounded dish full of texture, color, and flavor.

Paired with grilled proteins like Easy Taco Bowl or alongside a crisp and creamy Broccoli Salad, this pasta salad is as versatile as it is satisfying. Plus, it works equally well as a vegetarian main or a colorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• ✅ Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
• 🧀 Fresh & Flavorful: Thanks to a herby pesto and creamy bocconcini.
• 🥗 Great for Gatherings: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks and parties.
• 🧊 Perfect Cold: Stores well for lunches or make-ahead meals.
• 🥬 Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins.
• 🍽️ Balanced & Nourishing: With complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 12 oz (4 cups) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved (or cubed mozzarella, feta)
• 1 cup spinach, packed and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Pesto Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

To Taste:

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Mix and match these ingredients to tailor your pasta salad:

• Protein: Grilled chicken, tuna, tofu, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Veggies: Bell peppers, cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, or black olives.
• Cheese: Swap bocconcini for parmesan, feta, or goat cheese.
• Greens: Try arugula, kale, or Swiss chard in place of spinach.
• Extras: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or toasted pine nuts.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt, then cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions, about 11–13 minutes for al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the pasta cools, chop the spinach and basil, halve the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini, and dice the red onion.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. You can add a splash of red wine vinegar or a clove of minced garlic for extra zing.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, vegetables, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Red’s Nutrition Tip 🍴

Pasta gets a bad rap, but it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet! Especially when paired with fiber-rich veggies, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from cheese or a grilled topping. Farfalle (bow tie) pasta made from durum wheat provides energy and satiety, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.

The inclusion of pesto—a source of monounsaturated fats and flavor-packed herbs—adds both richness and health benefits. Toss in extra greens or protein for a more filling meal that covers all your macros in one bowl.

What to Serve with Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Pair this salad with a protein to turn it into a full meal:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
• Pesto Baked Salmon
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Greek Chicken Burgers
• High Protein Egg Bites
• Grilled Halloumi or Falafel

Or enjoy it solo on a hot summer day—it’s that satisfying! You can also serve it alongside Best Broccoli Salad or a slice of crusty sourdough bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 🍝

What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?

1. Overcooking the pasta – Aim for al dente for the best texture.
2. Not rinsing the pasta – Rinsing cools it quickly and stops overcooking.
3. Under-seasoning – Season the pasta water and the final salad.
4. Skimping on dressing – Pasta soaks up flavor; dress generously.
5. Adding delicate greens too early – Add spinach and herbs just before serving to keep them fresh.

FAQs – Your Pasta Salad Questions Answered

What is bow tie pasta?
Bow tie pasta is also known as farfalle, meaning “butterflies” in Italian. Its fun, pinched center shape holds dressings well and adds visual appeal.

Which pasta shapes go well in salads?
Besides bow tie, shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, and orecchiette are ideal for pasta salads. Their curves and ridges catch dressing and cling to veggies perfectly.

What’s a good dressing for pasta salad?
Pesto, balsamic vinaigrette, lemon Dijon, or a simple olive oil and vinegar combo work great. Homemade Italian dressings are especially popular.

Why do Italians eat salad after pasta?
Traditionally, Italians serve leafy green salads after the main course to aid digestion and cleanse the palate.

How to make pasta salad more flavorful?
Season the pasta water, use fresh herbs, bold cheeses, and a flavorful dressing. Let the salad sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb flavor.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Meal Prep: Prepare the pasta and dressing separately; toss with veggies and cheese when ready to serve.
• Freshen Up: Add a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice if needed before serving leftovers.
• Make Ahead: Best made the day before an event—just toss gently again before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 236 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Final Thoughts

Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a picnic side dish, or a quick weeknight dinner, this Bow Tie Pasta Salad is bound to become a staple in your warm-weather meal rotation. It’s customizable, nutrient-packed, and ridiculously delicious.

Pair it with grilled meats, enjoy it cold from the fridge, or bring it to your next potluck—you simply can’t go wrong. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and herby pesto makes every bite pop with flavor.

Save this recipe, pin it, and don’t forget to share it with anyone who appreciates a great side dish. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a dinner without it.

More Summer Favorites:

• Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
• Easy Taco Bowl
• High Protein Egg Bites

Enjoy your pasta salad adventure! 🥗

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