Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Colorful, fresh, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor, Bow Tie Pasta Salad has become my go-to side for just about any warm weather gathering. With those signature fluttery noodles catching every bit of bright basil and creamy bocconcini, this dish nails the balance between effortless and impressive. Whether you’re packing up a picnic, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just craving something you can toss together ahead of time, Bow Tie Pasta Salad is the kind of bowl friends and family will be reaching for all throughout the meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keep the grocery list simple, but don’t skimp on flavor—each ingredient in this Bow Tie Pasta Salad plays a crucial role. From the sweet pop of cherry tomatoes to the lush bite of bocconcini, every element brings color, texture, or zip, transforming a handful of familiar ingredients into a dish you’ll crave again and again.

• Bow tie pasta: These fun, pinched noodles are perfect for catching the dressing and make the salad feel extra festive.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• Red onion: Diced finely for tang and gentle crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
• Bocconcini cheese: The creaminess of these dainty mozzarella balls adds a luscious, mild richness.
• Spinach: Chopped small for a nutrient boost and a splash of earthy green freshness.
• Basil: Fresh and finely chopped, it infuses the salad with classic Italian aroma.
• Pesto: Acts as the heart of the dressing—look for one made with basil for the most classic flavor, or feel free to use homemade.
• Olive oil: Helps the dressing coat the pasta elegantly and adds fruity depth.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish and ties together all the fresh components.
• Salt: Season boldly—especially the pasta water—so every flavor shines through.
• Black pepper: For just the right hint of heat and complexity in the dressing.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Set a large pot of water to boil and be generous with the salt—it boosts the pasta’s flavor from within. Cook your bow tie pasta until just past al dente, so it’s tender enough to be delicious cold. Drain it well, cool it off quickly under cold water if you’re feeling impatient, then toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it silky and separate. Room temperature pasta is the ideal base for soaking in all those salad flavors.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Pesto Dressing

While the pasta cooks, whip up your simple dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine the pesto, extra olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk or shake until everything’s emulsified and tastes bright and punchy. This dressing will become the vibrant backbone of your Bow Tie Pasta Salad.

Step 3: Combine Veggies and Cheese

Once your pasta is cool, break out your biggest mixing bowl. Add in the pasta along with those sweet cherry tomato halves, crisp red onion, creamy bocconcini, spinach, and chopped basil. Stir gently—this is when everything starts looking like a photo in a summer cookbook!

Step 4: Dress and Season

Pour the pesto-lemon dressing evenly over the salad. Season liberally with salt and black pepper, then toss gently so the bow ties get coated in the bright green sauce and the veggies and cheese are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning or add a touch more pesto if you want it even more flavorful. The entire mixture should feel fresh and luscious.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

Your Bow Tie Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it right away if you like it room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead option.

How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To bring this salad to a new level, scatter extra chopped basil or whole leaves across the top. A little drizzle of quality olive oil or a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper at the table makes the colors pop and the flavors sing. Add a smattering of toasted pine nuts for a nutty accent if you’re feeling fancy—guests will swoon.

Side Dishes

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is already the star at most buffets, but it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, flaky salmon, or skewers of roasted vegetables. For a truly Italian-inspired spread, round out your table with crusty bread, marinated olives, and a simple green salad. On sunny days, I love serving it alongside tangy lemonade for a bright, low-effort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or potlucks, pile your salad into a big, white serving dish for maximum visual impact, or pack it into individual mason jars for grab-and-go convenience. If you’re hosting, nestle the salad inside hollowed-out bell peppers or serve on a bed of arugula for an elegant twist. Bow Tie Pasta Salad adapts to just about any entertaining style you can dream up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of this salad is that it gets even more flavorful as it chills. Store Bow Tie Pasta Salad in an airtight container in your fridge for up to five days—the flavors meld and intensify, making each scoop as satisfying as the first. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving.

Freezing

Freezing is generally not recommended for Bow Tie Pasta Salad—the fresh vegetables and cheese can lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. This dish shines brightest when made fresh, or at most, kept chilled in the refrigerator.

Reheating

With its cold, refreshing character, Bow Tie Pasta Salad is designed to be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you’re craving a slightly warmer salad, let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to maintain the lovely, crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta holds the dressing especially well and brings charm to the salad, you can easily swap in rotini, penne, or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the cook time in mind for optimal texture.

What kind of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto is a wonderful match for this Bow Tie Pasta Salad, but feel free to get creative—try arugula or sun-dried tomato pesto for a tasty twist! Homemade or store-bought both work, just choose a version you love.

How can I add more protein?

Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even diced salami to bump up the protein and make the salad a full meal. These additions mix in easily and soak up the pesto dressing just as beautifully.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional bow tie pasta contains wheat, but the good news is there are fantastic gluten-free bow tie pastas available! Swap in your favorite gluten-free brand and prepare the same way—just check the cook time.

How far ahead can I make Bow Tie Pasta Salad?

Bow Tie Pasta Salad is ideal for making ahead—assemble it up to 24 hours in advance for the freshest texture, or prep all but the dressing and toss together just before serving. It keeps well for up to five days in the fridge, so it’s truly a meal-prep superstar.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that checks all the summer salad boxes, you can’t go wrong with Bow Tie Pasta Salad. It’s easy, endlessly flexible, and guaranteed to vanish fast from any table. Give it a try soon—I have a feeling it’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation!

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