Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a refreshing pasta salad, and this Italian-style bow tie pasta salad is a must-have for any summer gathering or BBQ! Packed with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini cheese, and tossed in a zesty basil pesto, this farfalle pasta salad is bursting with flavor, fiber, and healthy fats to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- Bow Tie Pasta: The star of the recipe! Known as farfalle, this flat noodle is ideal for cold pasta salads, perfectly complementing chopped veggies.
- Spinach: Baby spinach adds vibrant green color and fiber. If unavailable, arugula makes a great alternative.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are recommended, but grape tomatoes or diced whole tomatoes work just as well.
- Basil: Fresh basil or herbs brighten the dish and enhance its flavor.
- Cheese: Bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) is my go-to, but cubed mozzarella, parmesan, or feta cheese are equally great choices.
- Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Skip it if you’re not a fan.
- Dressing: I used a mix of basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice for a simple and flavorful option. Alternatively, an Italian vinaigrette or a homemade dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard works wonderfully.
Feel free to get creative with vegetables! While I chose spinach and tomatoes, other options like cucumber, red bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, black olives, red onion, or green onion would pair beautifully in this pasta salad.
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Making this bow tie pasta salad is super simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop the spinach, basil, and onion, and slice the cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare the Cheese: Halve the bocconcini cheese balls for easy mixing.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, veggies, cheese, and dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up and savor your delicious pasta salad!
Pro Tip: If making this salad ahead of time, store it in the fridge and refresh it before serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
What to Serve with Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats. Pairing it with a protein source can turn it into a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Burgers: A classic BBQ pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sausages: Grilled or pan-fried, sausages add a hearty complement to the pasta salad.
- Chicken: Serve grilled, roasted, or shredded chicken for a lean protein boost.
- Steak: Thinly sliced steak provides a savory and satisfying addition.
- Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed shrimp pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of pasta salad.
- Salmon: Add a serving of baked, grilled, or smoked salmon for a rich and flavorful protein.
- Tuna: Toss in some tuna—fresh or canned—for a quick and easy protein option.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, add marinated and grilled tofu cubes.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A simple yet delicious choice to round out your meal.
With these protein-packed additions, your pasta salad becomes a complete and balanced dish.
FAQs
What are the bow tie pastas called?
Bow tie pastas are known as farfalle. The word "farfalle," pronounced far-FALL-ay, means butterfly in Italian, though it's commonly referred to as bow tie pasta due to its unique shape.
How long do you cook bow tie pasta?
Bow tie pasta typically cooks in 11-13 minutes. For an authentic al dente texture, aim for 11 minutes.
What is bow tie pasta made of?
Bow tie pasta is traditionally made from durum wheat semolina flour, which gives it a firm texture and great flavor.
Should you rinse the pasta when making pasta salad?
Yes, rinsing the pasta after cooking is recommended for pasta salad. It halts the cooking process and cools the pasta, making it ready to mix with other ingredients.
How many calories are in bow tie pasta salad?
The calorie count depends on the recipe and portion size. This recipe yields 8 side-dish servings, with each serving containing approximately 236 calories, 3g fat, 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber.
