Description
A vibrant and refreshing Bow Tie Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, and an herby pesto dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light side dish, this salad balances fresh vegetables and aromatic basil with a zesty lemon dressing for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces (4 cups) bow tie pasta, dry
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
- 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions or until slightly past al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow it to cool to room temperature, optionally rinsing briefly under cold water to speed the cooling.
- Prepare the dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl or jar. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended to create a smooth dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, halved bocconcini cheese, finely chopped spinach, and chopped basil. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Toss with dressing and season: Pour the pesto dressing over the salad. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning or add more pesto if desired.
- Serve or store: The pasta salad can be served immediately for the freshest taste or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld further.
Notes
- Cooking pasta slightly past al dente helps it absorb flavors better without becoming mushy.
- Using fresh bocconcini cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the acidity of the tomatoes and lemon juice.
- Chilling the pasta briefly under cold water helps cool it faster and prevents clumping when tossing with oil.
- You can customize this salad by adding other fresh vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- Store the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
