This colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a light lunch. Its vibrant ingredients and delightful flavors make it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and herbs, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or as a main course; it suits various occasions perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, allowing you to prepare it in advance.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to personalize the salad to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delightful Bow Tie Pasta Salad, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently, ensuring it cooks evenly.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from the pasta quickly while preventing overcooking.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.

this recipe

Ingredients

For this flavorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 ounces (4 cups) bow tie pasta, dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved

Fresh Greens and Herbs

• 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped

Dressing Ingredients

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

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 heavily salted water and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions or until slightly past al dente. Once cooked:
1. Drain the pasta using a colander.
2. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Let it cool to room temperature (you can run it under cold water briefly if you’re short on time).

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing:
1. In a small bowl or jar, combine pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Whisk them together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the pasta has cooled:
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil.
2. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Add the prepared dressing over the salad:
1. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve or Store

You can serve the salad immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days!

With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this Bow Tie Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow tie pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a quick lunch, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad to enhance the flavors and textures.

As a Main Course

• Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch, perfect for warm days.
• Add slices of rotisserie chicken for added protein and flavor.

At Potlucks or BBQs

• Present it in a large bowl garnished with fresh basil for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Offer individual portions in mason jars for easy serving at outdoor events.

How to Perfect Bow Tie Pasta Salad

To make your bow tie pasta salad truly standout, consider these helpful tips:

• Cook pasta correctly: Ensure your pasta is slightly past al dente for the best texture when mixed with other ingredients.
• Cool properly: Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
• Mix fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for more vibrant flavors and colors.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or pesto levels as needed.
• Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps all ingredients blend well together.

Best Side Dishes for Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Bow tie pasta salad pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil and grilled until tender.

2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers make for a refreshing bite that matches well with pasta salad.

3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from the salad.

4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the pasta salad.

5. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide great texture and protein alongside the salad.

6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar complements the richness of bow tie pasta salad beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your bow tie pasta salad, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. Follow the package instructions carefully and aim for al dente for the best bite.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Not allowing the pasta to cool can cause the salad to become soggy. After draining, let it cool at room temperature or rinse it under cold water before mixing.

• Ignoring Dressing Balance: Using too much or too little dressing can overwhelm or underwhelm the flavors. Start with a modest amount and adjust according to taste.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season adequately with salt and pepper may lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.

• Storing Improperly: Not storing in an airtight container can lead to spoilage. Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for maximum freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your bow tie pasta salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the ingredients.
• If you must freeze it, ensure all components are well mixed and stored in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bow Tie Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pasta on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making bow tie pasta salad.

How do I make Bow Tie Pasta Salad more colorful?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives to enhance its color and flavor profile.

Can I use whole grain bow tie pasta?

Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier option that still maintains its shape.

Is Bow Tie Pasta Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad keeps well and is perfect for meal prep, lasting up to five days in the fridge.

What are some variations I can try with my Bow Tie Pasta Salad?

Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or different cheeses based on your preferences!

Can I serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad warm?

While it’s typically served cold, you can enjoy it warm if preferred. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving!

Final Thoughts

This bow tie pasta salad recipe is not only vibrant but also versatile. Perfect as a side dish or light main course, it allows room for customization based on your tastes. Experiment with additional ingredients like proteins or seasonal veggies to make it uniquely yours!

Print

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Bow Tie Pasta Salad, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a potluck, or enjoying a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful ingredients and fresh taste. Tossed in a zesty pesto dressing and packed with nutritious vegetables, it can be enjoyed on its own or as a companion to your favorite proteins. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and stores well in the fridge for up to five days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Dive into this easy-to-make recipe and elevate your dining experience!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup basil
• 3 tablespoons pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt
• Black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Cook the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until slightly past al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil; let cool.
2. While pasta cools, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil.
4. Pour dressing over salad, season with salt and pepper, then mix gently until everything is well coated.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 360mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding grilled chicken or seasonal vegetables. For extra flavor, consider incorporating olives or bell peppers.