If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with summer flavors, you’re in for a treat. The Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe is a fantastic combination of tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and fragrant basil—all tied together with a zesty pesto dressing. This salad offers a delightful balance of textures and colors that make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you need a quick lunch, a picnic accompaniment, or a potluck standout, this recipe fits the bill beautifully and will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe so magical is its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a special element to the mix, whether it’s the creaminess of bocconcini, the bright pop from cherry tomatoes, or the fresh herbaceous punch from basil. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded salad that’s colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta: The charming shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients perfectly, providing a fun bite every time.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness add freshness and vibrant red pops of color.
- 1/4 cup red onion: Adds a subtle crunch and a mild, tangy bite to balance the richer flavors.
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese: Creamy and soft, these little mozzarella balls bring indulgence without overpowering.
- 1 cup spinach: Fresh leaves introduce earthiness and a lovely green backdrop for the salad.
- 1/2 cup basil: This fragrant herb lifts the entire dish, giving it that unmistakable Italian zest.
- 3 tablespoons pesto: The herbaceous, garlicky sauce acts as a flavorful binder and dressing base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the pasta from sticking and adds smooth richness.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: A bright splash of acidity that brings all the flavors to life.
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it just past al dente for the perfect tender-but-firm bite. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking while also adding a silky texture. Let it cool down to room temperature before moving on to the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon. This simple dressing is packed with bright, herbal flavor and just the right amount of tang. It’s the secret glue that brings all the elements of this salad together with a luscious finish.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Gather a large mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, finely sliced red onion, bocconcini cheese, fresh spinach, and torn basil leaves. Each ingredient contributes a distinct texture and flavor profile, balancing creaminess, freshness, crunch, and herbal brightness.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing and Season
Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure every piece is lightly coated. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Be gentle during tossing so the bocconcini maintains its soft texture without breaking apart.
Step 5: Serve or Store
This salad can be served immediately for a fresh, room temperature dish. Alternatively, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days—just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan cheese over the top takes this salad to the next level. A handful of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add contrasting notes that make every bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a flaky, buttery garlic bread. It’s also a fantastic side for summer barbecues or casual dinner parties, where it adds a burst of freshness to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for bite-sized portions. You can also layer it in a pretty glass jar for picnics or to make lunch look extra special. The colorful ingredients make it perfect for showing off on any serving platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to five days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously over time.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of the fresh tomatoes and bocconcini cheese, so it’s not recommended to freeze this salad.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is ideal for holding the dressing and ingredients, feel free to try rotini, penne, or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the pasta just past al dente to avoid it becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the bocconcini cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether. Additionally, use a vegan pesto or make your own without cheese to keep the salad fully vegan.
How long can I prepare this Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe in advance?
You can prepare it up to one day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The flavors actually deepen nicely overnight, but it’s best to add delicate herbs like basil just before serving to keep them vibrant.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or even olives make excellent additions that complement the existing flavors and add interesting textures.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from becoming soggy?
Drain the cooked pasta well and toss with olive oil while it cools to prevent sticking. Also, avoid cutting tomatoes too far in advance to minimize excess moisture, and store the salad chilled until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe really hits all the right notes—fresh, flavorful, and full of delightful textures. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal but impressive enough to bring to gatherings. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and watch it become a treasured staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Bocconcini, and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Bow Tie Pasta Salad featuring tender bow tie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty pesto-lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, this salad is quick to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese, torn or halved
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until slightly past al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, then toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, chopped spinach, and basil. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately for fresh flavors or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh basil and high-quality pesto.
- Allowing the pasta to cool entirely before mixing prevents salad from becoming soggy.
- Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to intensify flavors.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
