Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and irresistible texture, Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to any gathering—or whip up as a make-ahead lunch at home. Each forkful offers a lively mix of tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and herby pesto that will keep you coming back for more.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic behind Bow Tie Pasta Salad: every single ingredient is there for flavor, crunch, or eye-catching color. Don’t skip anything if you can help it—each piece is there for a purpose and really shines in this dish!

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle): Their playful shape holds all that delicious dressing and gives the salad great bite and character.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and colorful, these burst with freshness in every bite.
• Red onion: Just a bit for gentle sharpness and pretty color contrast—dice it small for the perfect balance.
• Bocconcini cheese: These little mozzarella balls add rich creaminess and mild flavor; halve them to make them extra snackable.
• Spinach: Finely chopped, it melds right in and boosts both nutrition and color.
• Basil: Chopped fresh basil infuses the salad with its signature aroma and a lovely herbal lift.
• Pesto: This is the soul of your salad dressing—a little goes a long way for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps the dressing coat every nook and cranny, making the salad silky and flavorful.
• Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness for balance—don’t skip it!
• Salt and black pepper: The final seasoning for bringing all those flavors into perfect harmony.

Variations

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is as flexible as they come—truly a blank canvas for your creativity (or leftovers!). You can easily personalize it for different tastes or dietary preferences, and make it new every time you serve it.

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra staying power and a heartier meal.
• Go Vegan: Use vegan mozzarella and swap the pesto for a dairy-free version—no flavor lost!
• Switch Up the Veg: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes add extra zing and variety.
• Try Whole-Grain Pasta: For a nutritional boost, opt for whole-wheat or lentil-based bow ties.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Fill a big pot with water, crank up the heat, and salt it generously—it should taste like the sea. Cook the bow tie pasta until just past al dente, so it stays tender even after chilling. Drain well, give it a quick rinse with cold water if you’re in a hurry, and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool to room temperature for the perfect salad base.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

While your pasta cools, grab a bowl or a jar and combine the pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk (or shake) until beautifully blended and glossy—this vibrant mixture ties the salad together in the most delicious way.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, pile in the cooled bow tie pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, halved bocconcini, chopped spinach, and fragrant basil. Gently give everything a good mix so each ingredient is evenly distributed and the colors pop.

Step 4: Dress and Season

Pour your herby pesto dressing all over the salad, then toss gently until everything glistens. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste-test—you might want a bit more salt or an extra dollop of pesto. Let your taste buds guide you.

Step 5: Serve or Store

You can serve your Bow Tie Pasta Salad right away, or cover and stash it in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors somehow improve as they mingle, so leftovers are always a treat!

How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To truly make your Bow Tie Pasta Salad pop, scatter a few extra fresh basil leaves over the top or add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. For a pop of color and a touch of crunch, toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds are surprisingly delightful!

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs brilliantly with anything off the grill—think herby chicken, grilled fish, or juicy burgers. For a light meal, serve it alongside a crisp arugula salad or a platter of roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Showcase your Bow Tie Pasta Salad in a big, shallow serving bowl to highlight all the gorgeous colors, or scoop it into small mason jars for perfect picnic portions. For parties, serve on lettuce cups or endive leaves for an elegant, finger-friendly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to five days. The flavors blend and intensify over time, so a day-old salad might taste even more delicious than when it was first made!

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t love the freezer—freezing will change the texture of the tomatoes, cheese, and pasta. If you’d like to meal-prep, consider storing cooked (undressed) pasta in the freezer, then adding the fresh ingredients and dressing later.

Reheating

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If you do want a warmer version (for cooler months), briefly take the chill off in the microwave for 20 seconds, then toss well before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a reliable, feel-good crowd-pleaser, you truly can’t go wrong with Bow Tie Pasta Salad. It’s colorful, flavorful, and so easy to make—everyone will be raving and reaching for seconds. Give it a try, and make it your own!

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