Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian-inspired Bow Tie Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or BBQs. With vibrant ingredients like fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese, all coated in a light basil pesto dressing, this dish is as delicious as it is nutritious. It’s a refreshing change from heavy, creamy pasta salads and can be prepared in advance, making it a great meal prep option. Plus, it's versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle)

• Fresh spinach (or arugula)

• Cherry tomatoes

• Fresh basil

• Bocconcini cheese (or mozzarella, feta, or parmesan)

• Red onion (optional)

• Basil pesto

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the spinach, basil, and red onion. Slice the tomatoes.

3. Slice the cheese: Cut bocconcini cheese into halves.

4. Make the dressing: Mix basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice together in a small bowl.

5. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta, veggies, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total Time: 20-30 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta.

• Dairy-free: Omit the cheese and use dairy-free pesto.

• Add-ins: Customize with veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.

• Protein options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it’s been refrigerated for a while, refresh the salad with a little more olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the bow tie pasta (farfalle) with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne.

2. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use gluten-free pasta to make it a gluten-free dish.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day or two in advance.

4. How do I make the dressing without pesto?

If you don’t have pesto, you can make a simple Italian dressing with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can swap bocconcini for other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or parmesan, depending on your preference.

6. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese and use a dairy-free pesto to accommodate a dairy-free diet.

7. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, red peppers, or zucchini for extra crunch and color.

8. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables may change upon thawing.

9. How long will the pasta salad last in the fridge?

The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu make great additions to this pasta salad for extra protein.

Conclusion

This Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that combines fresh ingredients with a light pesto dressing. It’s perfect for summer occasions, easy to prepare, and can be customized to fit various dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main dish, it’s sure to become a favorite!

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