There’s something about a chilled pasta salad that just feels right when the weather warms up. I find myself reaching for recipes like this bow tie pasta salad whenever I want something easy, fresh, and still satisfying without much effort.

This version leans into simple, vibrant ingredients. You get tender farfalle, juicy tomatoes, soft cheese, and that herby punch from pesto. It’s light, but not boring. The kind of dish that quietly steals attention at the table.

I like making it ahead and letting it sit for a bit. The flavors settle, everything mingles, and somehow it tastes even better later. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t ask much, but gives a lot back.

And the best part, it works for almost anything. Quick lunch, potluck side, or just something to keep in the fridge for when you don’t feel like cooking again. It fits right in.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle) – The base of the salad, its shape holds onto the dressing beautifully.
• Cherry tomatoes – Adds sweetness and a juicy bite that balances the pasta.
• Red onion – Brings a little sharpness and crunch to keep things interesting.
• Bocconcini cheese – Soft and creamy, it gives the salad a rich, mild flavor.
• Spinach – Adds freshness, color, and a bit of texture.
• Fresh basil – Enhances the overall flavor with a light, herby touch.
• Basil pesto – The main dressing component, full of bold, savory flavor.
• Olive oil – Helps loosen the pesto and coat everything evenly.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Salt – Brings out all the flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds a subtle warmth to finish the dish.

Small Ingredient Swaps That Work

This salad is flexible, which is honestly why I keep coming back to it. If you don’t have spinach, arugula slips in easily and gives a slightly peppery note. It changes the feel just a little, but in a good way.

You can also switch the cheese depending on what’s in your fridge. Cubed mozzarella works just as well, and feta adds a saltier edge. Even a sprinkle of parmesan can shift the flavor in a nice direction.

Sometimes I toss in extras like cucumber or olives when I want more texture. It doesn’t need it, but it handles additions really well without losing its balance.

How to make Bow Tie Pasta Salad?

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Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta until just past al dente. You want it tender but still holding its shape. Once done, drain it and let it cool.

If you’re in a hurry, a quick rinse under cold water helps stop the cooking. Just don’t skip cooling it fully, warm pasta can make everything else wilt too quickly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, chop the spinach finely and dice the red onion. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half so they release a bit of their juice into the salad.

Chop the fresh basil as well, keeping it slightly coarse. It adds bursts of flavor instead of blending in completely, which makes a difference.

Step 3 – Slice the Cheese

Cut the bocconcini into halves or quarters depending on their size. Smaller pieces help distribute the creaminess more evenly through the salad.

It’s a small step, but it keeps every bite balanced instead of having big chunks in just a few spots.

Step 4 – Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice together. Stir until smooth and slightly loosened. The oil helps coat the pasta better, while the lemon keeps it from feeling heavy.

Give it a quick taste. Sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon if I want it brighter, especially on warmer days.

Step 5 – Combine Everything

In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, cheese, and basil. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated.

Take your time here. A gentle mix keeps the ingredients intact and prevents the cheese from breaking apart too much.

Step 6 – Season and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper, then give it one final toss. Taste and adjust if needed. Sometimes a tiny pinch of salt at the end makes everything pop.

You can serve it right away or chill it for later. Both work, just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

What to Serve with Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This salad fits easily alongside a lot of meals, which makes it a reliable option for gatherings. I usually pair it with something warm and simple so the contrast works nicely.

Grilled chicken, burgers, or even roasted vegetables all sit well next to it. The freshness of the salad balances richer dishes without trying too hard.

On quieter days, I’ll just eat it on its own. It’s filling enough, especially with the cheese and pasta, and doesn’t feel like a compromise.

• Grilled chicken or roasted chicken pieces
• Pan-seared fish or baked salmon
• Simple veggie skewers or roasted vegetables
• Tofu or plant-based protein options
• Hard-boiled eggs for a quick protein boost

Tips

• Salt your pasta water well – it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Let the pasta cool completely before mixing to keep the salad fresh, not soggy.
• Chop ingredients evenly so every bite feels balanced.
• Adjust the pesto amount based on how strong you want the flavor.
• Add a splash of olive oil before serving if the salad feels dry after chilling.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a cleaner taste.
• Taste at the end – small adjustments make a big difference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

This is one of those recipes that actually benefits from sitting in the fridge. The flavors deepen, and the dressing settles into the pasta in a way that just works.

Store it in an airtight container and it keeps well for up to five days. I usually give it a quick toss before serving again, just to freshen it up.

If it looks a bit dry after a day or two, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon brings it right back. It’s a small fix, but it makes it feel freshly made again.

It’s also great for meal prep. You can portion it out and have something ready without thinking too much about it during the week.

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Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Author: Elly Cooking Method: Boiling Cuisine: Italian Courses: Side Dish

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 236

Best Season: Summer, Spring

Description

Nothing says summer like a refreshing pasta salad, and this Italian-inspired bow tie pasta salad is the perfect addition to any BBQ, picnic, or potluck. Made with tender farfalle pasta, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy bocconcini cheese, this dish is tossed in a light and zesty basil pesto dressing. Unlike heavy mayonnaise-based salads, this version is light, vibrant, and packed with flavor, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

ingredients

Servings

Pasta Salad

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta (dry (farfalle))
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion (finely diced)
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese (halved)
• 1 cup spinach (finely chopped)
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh basil (finely chopped)

Dressing

• 3 tbsp basil pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ lemon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Dressing

   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined.
   Mark as complete

3. Chop Ingredients

   While the pasta cooks, chop the spinach and basil, dice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini cheese.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Ingredients

   In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil. Toss gently to combine.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Dressing

   Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Before serving, refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon if needed.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1 serving

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 236kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8gg13%

Saturated Fat 3gg15%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 10mgmg4%

Sodium 220mgmg10%

Potassium 250mgmg8%

Total Carbohydrate 35gg12%

Dietary Fiber 2gg8%

Sugars 3gg

Protein 7gg15%

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Calcium 10% mg

Iron 8% mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta.
• Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese and use dairy-free pesto.
• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
• Customize veggies: Add cucumber, bell peppers, olives, or zucchini for variety.
• Meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Keywords: bow tie pasta salad, farfalle pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, summer pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, healthy pasta salad