Nothing says summer like a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad! This Italian-inspired Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful dish perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a simple weeknight side. Made with bow tie pasta (farfalle), fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and creamy bocconcini cheese, and tossed in a zesty basil pesto dressing, it’s light, satisfying, and packed with healthy fats, fiber, and flavor.
Unlike heavy, mayo-based pasta salads, this version is fresh, vibrant, and makes an excellent make-ahead meal for lunches or dinners. It also keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz (4 cups) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved (or cubed mozzarella)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente (slightly past al dente if you prefer). Drain and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow to cool to room temperature (or rinse briefly with cold water if in a hurry). - Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth. - Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil. - Dress the Salad:
Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve or Store:
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stored, you may want to add a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon before serving to freshen it up.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetables: Feel free to add cucumbers, zucchini, red bell peppers, or olives for extra crunch and color.
- Cheese Options: Swap bocconcini for feta, parmesan, or cubed mozzarella.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Make it Vegan: Omit the cheese and use a vegan pesto.
- Meal Prep: Perfect for make-ahead meals—keeps well in the fridge for 4–5 days.
What to Serve With
This pasta salad pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted proteins like:
- Chicken or turkey burgers
- Grilled salmon or shrimp
- Steak or sausages
- Tofu or hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian option
Nutrition (per serving, 1/8 of salad)
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dish that will be the star of any summer gathering!