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Bow Tie Pasta Salad – A Fresh & Flavorful Summer Side

bow tie pasta salad
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This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a bright, refreshing summer side featuring cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, fresh spinach, and a zesty basil pesto dressing. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for picnics, BBQs, or weekday lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (11–13 mins), then drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cools, chop spinach and basil, halve tomatoes and bocconcini, and dice the onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and cheese. Pour dressing over and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a full meal. Let the salad sit 15–30 minutes for flavors to meld. Perfect for make-ahead lunches or outdoor gatherings.

Nutrition

Keywords: bow tie pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, summer side dish, picnic salad, cold pasta salad, farfalle pasta salad

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