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Bow Tie Pasta and Pesto

Featured in Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion.

This delightful bow tie pasta dish combines the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese, spinach, basil, and a zesty pesto dressing. Perfectly cooked pasta is coated with a rich, herbaceous dressing made from pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s quick to prepare, light, and packed with vibrant ingredients—ideal as a side dish or a standalone meal. Customize the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy it fresh or make it ahead for up to 5 days. A simple, delicious option for any occasion.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:11:42 GMT
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and basil. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and basil. | tastystanza.com

This vibrant bow tie pasta salad brings the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and satisfying texture to any gathering. The combination of cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and pesto creates a delicious Italian-inspired dish that works equally well as a side or light main course.

I first made this pasta salad for a neighborhood block party and it disappeared within minutes. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I need something that pleases both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

  • Bow tie pasta: Provides the ideal shape for catching dressing in its crevices
  • Cherry tomatoes: Add juicy bursts of flavor and bright color
  • Red onion: Contributes a mild bite that balances the creamy elements
  • Bocconcini cheese: Brings creamy richness without overwhelming other flavors
  • Fresh spinach: Incorporates nutrition and color while blending seamlessly
  • Basil: Provides essential aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish
  • Pesto: Forms the flavor foundation with its complex herbal profile
  • Olive oil: Helps create a smooth dressing that coats every component
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the entire salad with necessary acidity
  • Salt and pepper: Finish the dish and bring all flavors into focus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pasta:
Boil a large pot of heavily salted water and cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until just past al dente. This slight overcooking ensures the pasta maintains a pleasant texture when chilled. After draining, toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking while cooling to room temperature.
Create the dressing:
Whisk together pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until completely incorporated. The olive oil helps thin the pesto to an ideal consistency while the lemon adds brightness that cuts through the richness.
Combine all ingredients:
Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl and add halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, bocconcini cheese pieces, chopped spinach and basil. The contrast of textures and flavors creates an exciting mix in every bite.
Dress and season:
Pour the pesto dressing over all ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. | tastystanza.com

You Must Know

Contains fresh ingredients that maintain their texture for several days

Works beautifully as a vegetarian main dish or accompaniment to grilled proteins

Can be prepared entirely ahead of time with flavors that improve overnight

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta salad actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. For best results, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. If making significantly ahead of time, consider reserving half the basil to add just before serving for the freshest flavor and appearance.

Smart Substitutions

No bocconcini? Regular mozzarella cut into small cubes works perfectly. The pesto can be store-bought for convenience or homemade if you have fresh basil on hand. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and add diced avocado just before serving. Arugula makes an excellent substitute for spinach when you want a peppery bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta salad slightly chilled rather than straight from the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully express themselves. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or simply with crusty bread for a complete meal. For an elegant presentation, serve in a large shallow bowl garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of quality olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bow tie pasta with any small-shaped pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini for similar results.

→ What can I use instead of bocconcini cheese?

Fresh mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella make great alternatives to bocconcini cheese in this dish.

→ How long does this dish stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this salad stays fresh for up to 5 days.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and toss it lightly before serving.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would add a wonderful protein boost.

Bow Tie Pasta with Veggies

Fresh bow tie pasta salad with tomatoes, spinach, basil, and pesto dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: merry

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 12 ounces (4 cups) dry bow tie pasta
02 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1/4 cup red onion, diced
04 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
05 1 cup finely chopped spinach, packed
06 1/2 cup finely chopped basil
07 3 tablespoons pesto
08 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 1/2 lemon, juiced
10 Salt, to taste
11 Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil, and cook the bow tie pasta in heavily salted water as per package directions or until slightly past al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together, and let it cool to room temperature. If needed, run it under cold water briefly before adding the oil to cool it faster.

Step 02

In a small bowl or jar, combine the pesto, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk the mixture until fully blended.

Step 03

In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil. Gently stir these ingredients until well mixed.

Step 04

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Season generously with salt and black pepper, and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed. Add more pesto if necessary, depending on your preference.

Step 05

The pasta salad can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Small bowl or jar
  • Whisk
  • Large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from bocconcini cheese
  • Contains gluten from pasta

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 9 g