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Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A delightful and colorful dish featuring bow tie pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, perfect for light meals and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 ounces dry bow tie pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved For freshness and color.
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion Adds a sharp flavor.
  • 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved Adds creaminess and protein.
  • 1 cup packed, finely chopped spinach Offers health benefits.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped basil Enhances flavor and aroma.
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons pesto Acts as a dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds healthy fats.
  • 1/2 lemon juice of Adds acidity.
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
Combining the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bocconcini cheese, spinach, and basil.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well mixed and smooth.
Combining Salad and Dressing
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
Serving
  1. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein or experimenting with additional ingredients like roasted bell peppers or olives.