Nothing says summer like a fresh, vibrant pasta salad—and this Italian-inspired bow tie pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any warm-weather gathering! Made with tender farfalle pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, bocconcini cheese, and a zesty basil pesto dressing, this easy pasta salad is packed with fiber, healthy fats, and bold Mediterranean flavor.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a family potluck, this refreshing pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prep ahead and enjoy all week long.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
- Light & Fresh: No mayo, just bright pesto, lemon, and olive oil.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and summer parties.
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite veggies and cheese.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this delicious bow tie pasta salad:
- Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): The fun shape holds onto the pesto perfectly.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Baby Spinach: For fiber and a healthy green touch.
- Bocconcini Cheese: Soft mozzarella balls for a creamy contrast.
- Fresh Basil: Brings brightness and pairs beautifully with pesto.
- Red Onion: For crunch and a mild zing (optional).
- Pesto: Use homemade or store-bought for quick flavor.
- Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: To thin the pesto and add freshness.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-ins: Cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, black olives, shredded carrots, or feta cheese.
🥗 How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Making this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s what to do:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente (about 11–13 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
- Chop the Veggies: Halve the tomatoes, dice the onion, chop the spinach and basil.
- Prep the Cheese: Slice bocconcini balls in half or use small mozzarella pearls.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Toss & Season: Combine pasta, veggies, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy right away or refrigerate for later. Stir in a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving to refresh.
🧀 Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Tips
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bow tie pasta.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese and use a dairy-free pesto.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas turn it into a full meal.
🍽️ What to Serve With Pasta Salad
Pair this pasta salad with a protein to build a balanced meal. It goes especially well with:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Pesto Baked Salmon
- Greek Chicken Burgers
- Spinach & Feta Turkey Burgers
- Grilled Steak or Shrimp
- Tuna or Hard-Boiled Eggs
Or enjoy it on its own as a vegetarian main dish—it’s satisfying and perfect for hot days.
🥄 Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before serving, stir and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed to refresh the flavor.
📌 Recipe FAQs
What is bow tie pasta called?
Farfalle (pronounced “far-FALL-ay”), meaning “butterflies” in Italian.
Should I rinse pasta for pasta salad?
Yes! Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly for the salad.
How long to cook bow tie pasta?
Typically 11–13 minutes. For al dente, cook for about 11 minutes.
Is pasta healthy?
Yes! Pasta is a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, especially when paired with vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil and pesto.
🥗 Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 (side portions)
Cuisine: Italian
Category: Salad / Side
Ingredients
- 12 oz (4 cups) bow tie pasta, dry
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just past al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, onion, cheese, spinach, and basil.
- Toss: Pour dressing over salad, season with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🍴 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 236
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 3g