Summer vibes are all about indulging in delightful pasta salads, and this Italian-inspired bow tie pasta salad is the ideal addition to any sunny BBQ gathering. Brimming with vibrant spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese, all embraced by the aromatic embrace of basil pesto, this farfalle pasta salad recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a boost of fiber, healthy fats, and flavor.

Whether you’re savoring a leisurely weekend, celebrating with friends, or joining a family potluck, this bow tie pasta salad is the quintessential summer dish. Unlike its mayo-laden counterparts, this pasta salad shines with its light and invigorating pesto dressing, making it a breeze to prepare. And don’t forget, it tastes even better as leftovers, so you can prep it in advance and relish it as a meal prep staple all week long.

Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Here are the essential components for crafting this delectable dish:

• Bow Tie Pasta: The star of the show, these charming bow tie pasta noodles, also known as farfalle, are the perfect canvas for showcasing your chopped veggies.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach lends a vibrant green hue and a hefty dose of fiber to this pasta salad. Arugula can also be a splendid alternative if you’re out of spinach.
• Tomato: While the recipe suggests using cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or diced whole tomatoes work equally well.
• Basil: A touch of basil or other fresh herbs infuses a burst of freshness and vitality into the dish.
• Cheese: Bocconcini cheese, tiny mozzarella balls, make for a delightful choice, but you can also opt for cubed mozzarella, parmesan, or feta cheese to suit your taste.
• Red Onion: For a dash of color and crispness; feel free to omit if it’s not your preference.
• Dressing: To keep things simple yet flavorful, the dressing combines basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice. However, you have the flexibility to use your preferred Italian vinaigrette concoction, featuring olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard.

While tomatoes and spinach shine in this pasta salad, you can experiment with various raw veggies and leafy greens. Cucumber, red bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, red onion, green onion, and black olives are all splendid choices to customize your bowtie pasta salad.

Dietary Adaptations

To make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular bow tie pasta with gluten-free bow tie pasta.

To make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and opt for dairy-free pesto.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Creating this bow tie pasta salad is a breeze; here’s a step-by-step guide: