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Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (4 cups) bow tie pasta, dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup bocconcini cheese, halved
• 1 cup spinach, packed, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons pesto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta
   Grab your largest pot and fill it with water, setting it on the stove to boil. When it reaches a rolling boil, toss in the bow tie pasta and sprinkle in a generous handful of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for a texture that's just a tad softer than al dente for this salad.

2. Step 2: Cool the Pasta
   Once you've drained the pasta, drizzle it with a touch of olive oil. This helps keep those beautiful bow ties from sticking together. If you're in a bit of a hurry, feel free to run the pasta under cold water before adding the oil; it speeds things up nicely.

3. Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
   While your pasta is cooling to the perfect temperature, grab a small bowl or jar. Combine the pesto, olive oil, and the juice from half a lemon, giving it all a good whisk until it’s smooth and unified. This lovely mixture will bring all the flavors together.

4. Step 4: Assemble the Salad
   In a grand and welcoming salad bowl, bring your cooled pasta together with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, bocconcini cheese, finely chopped spinach, and basil. Stir softly so as not to break those delicate cheese balls, allowing everything to mingle harmoniously.

5. Step 5: Dress and Season
   Pour the pesto dressing over your pasta salad, then give it a gentle toss to make sure every piece is well coated. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Have a taste to check if the flavors are hitting the right notes, adjusting if necessary.

6. Step 6: Serve or Store
   Now your pasta salad is ready to delight! You can enjoy it immediately, or pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate it. It stays fresh and vibrant for up to five days, making it a perfect go-to for quick lunches or dinners.

Notes

One common misstep is overcooking the pasta. Aim for slightly past al dente rather than mushy; a floppy noodle can dampen the salad's delightful texture. If you're in a hurry, cooling pasta quickly under cold water helps, but be sure to toss it with a dab of olive oil right after to keep it from turning into a sticky mess.

Another hiccup is skimping on seasoning. Pasta tends to absorb flavors, so don't shy away from a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Adjusting as you go ensures a flavorful bite every time.

Lastly, using large bocconcini balls can overwhelm each forkful. Halving them creates a balanced blend with other ingredients, allowing every bite to be a harmonious melody of flavors.

Keywords: Bowtie Pasta Salad, Farfalle Pasta Salad, Bow Tie Pasta Dish, Bowtie Salad Recipe, Farfalle Salad Recipe