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Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Pesto

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Pesto
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A fresh, flavorful, and colorful Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Pesto that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic meal, this salad combines al dente bow tie pasta with vibrant basil pesto, crisp vegetables, and a bright hint of lemon. Nutritious and versatile, it is a satisfying dish full of herbaceous and savory notes that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Core Ingredients

  • 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. This prevents clumping and keeps the pasta fresh.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces for freshness and crunch.
  3. Mix in the Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the fresh basil pesto, coating every piece evenly to infuse it with herbaceous garlic and pine nut flavor.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and drizzle olive oil over the pasta. Gently fold everything together to keep the salad light and vibrant without making it overly saucy.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Mix well, tasting as you go to balance the savory and bright flavors.
  6. Optional Pine Nut Sprinkle: Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden and sprinkle over the salad just before serving to add nutty crunch and aroma.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and maintain texture.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
  • Use fresh, homemade pesto for the best flavor, or opt for high-quality store-bought pesto.
  • Season gradually with salt and lemon juice, tasting frequently for balance.
  • Toast pine nuts carefully as they burn quickly but add great aroma.
  • For vegan versions, omit parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative and dairy-free pesto.
  • Substitute bow tie pasta with rotini, fusilli, or penne if needed.
  • Best enjoyed fresh; refrigeration up to 3 days recommended, freezing not advised.

Nutrition

Keywords: bow tie pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, fresh basil pesto salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/bow-tie-pasta-salad-with-pesto/