Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, summery dish that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is effortless, this Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad will steal the picnic spotlight! Loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and herby pesto, this salad is a joyful celebration of flavor and color—perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or a sunshine-filled lunch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad lies in its handful of accessible ingredients—each one pulling double duty for taste, texture, or that gorgeous, colorful presentation. Let’s break down the must-haves (and why you’ll love them):

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle): These cheerful “butterflies” hold on to the pesto perfectly, and their shape makes every bite fun and extra inviting.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy sweetness pops in contrast to the savory pesto and adds bold color.
• Red onion, diced: Delicate bits of onion give the salad a nice tang and crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
• Bocconcini cheese, halved: Creamy, mild mozzarella balls add a touch of indulgence—feel free to use mozzarella pearls or even dice up a ball of fresh mozzarella.
• Spinach, finely chopped: Sneak in some extra greens! Baby spinach brings tender texture and an earthy note.
• Fresh basil, finely chopped: This gives the salad a double burst of irresistible herby aroma.
• Pesto (jarred or homemade): The star of the show—use your favorite for a truly personalized flavor punch.
• Olive oil: Helps loosen and mellow the pesto for a silky-smooth dressing.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens all the other ingredients and makes the flavors really sing.
• Salt & black pepper: Season to taste, and don’t be shy—pasta salads need a generous hand with seasoning!

Variations

The beauty of Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad is its flexibility—you can easily tailor it with what you have on hand, favorite add-ins, or dietary preferences. Here are some creative ways to keep things fresh:

• Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Toss in cooked, chilled protein for a heartier main dish that still feels light and vibrant.
• Vegan Twist: Swap bocconcini for your favorite vegan cheese or marinated tofu, and use a dairy-free pesto.
• Roasted Veggies: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus to give this salad extra depth and sweetness.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work beautifully if you’re out of bows—or just want to mix things up!
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor complexity.

How to Make Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Bow Tie Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then add the bow tie pasta. Cook just past al dente, as the pasta will firm up a bit once cool. After draining, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and spread it out to cool—if you’re in a hurry, rinse it briefly under cold water for a speedy chill-down.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the pasta cools, grab a small bowl or jar and combine the pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk or shake until you have a glossy, aromatic dressing—it should be pourable, but still nice and thick so it hugs the noodles.

Step 3: Chop and Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Halve the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini, and finely dice the red onion. Give the fresh basil and spinach a good chop so you get little flecks of green in every forkful. These pops of color are what make this Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad so visually irresistible!

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

In a big mixing bowl, layer in the cooled pasta, tomatoes, onion, bocconcini, spinach, and basil. Pour the pesto dressing over top, season generously with salt and black pepper, then toss gently until every ingredient is lightly coated and gleaming with herby goodness.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your salad a little taste test. Depending on the saltiness and thickness of your pesto (and your mood!) you may want to add a little extra pesto, salt, or lemon. Make it your own—no rules, just good flavor.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad is fabulous served right away or made ahead and chilled—the flavors only get better! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’re picnic or lunchbox-ready all week long.

How to Serve Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a generous shower of fresh basil ribbons, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or extra bocconcini on top. A light dusting of Parmesan or even a swirl of extra pesto makes it irresistible and extra eye-catching—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!

Side Dishes

Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or simple lemony shrimp. At a potluck, serve it alongside grilled vegetables, crusty sourdough, or a leafy green salad for a light, fresh feast that truly lets the salad shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, spoon the salad into individual jars or cups—perfect for picnics or buffet tables. Or, turn it into a main-dish “bowl” by topping with a skewer of mozzarella and tomatoes, or adding grilled chicken strips laid artfully over the top. The playful bow ties make every presentation pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, tightly covered. In fact, it just keeps tasting better as the flavors have more time to mingle!

Freezing

While this salad tastes best fresh, you technically can freeze it if needed—just be aware that fresh mozzarella and tomatoes might lose some texture after thawing. If you do freeze, place portions in airtight containers and enjoy within one month for best quality.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating! Just give your stored salad a stir and a fresh squeeze of lemon or extra drizzle of olive oil if it needs a flavor refresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something deliciously simple, I hope this Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad brings a burst of flavor to your table. It’s bright, herby, and so easy to love—give it a try and let it spark a little joy at your next meal!

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