Description

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful and visually appealing dish that combines fresh ingredients for a refreshing meal perfect for any occasion. This colorful salad features al dente bow tie pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp spinach, diced red onion, and creamy bocconcini cheese, all brought together with a zesty pesto dressing. It’s not only quick to prepare but also ideal for meal prepping, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it as a light main course or alongside grilled chicken for a satisfying side dish. Enjoy this vibrant pasta salad at summer BBQs, potlucks, or simply as a tasty lunch!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until slightly past al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil; let cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil.
Pour the dressing over the salad and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding grilled turkey or chickpeas for extra protein. For added freshness, consider drizzling with extra lemon juice before serving. Experiment with different dressings or vegetables based on your preference.