Description
A vibrant Mediterranean-style cold pasta salad with farfalle, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and lemon-pesto dressing. Features al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and basil for a nutrient-packed, room-temperature stable dish.
Ingredients
12 ounces (4 cups) dry bow tie pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1 cup bocconcini cheese, quartered
1 cup fresh spinach
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons basil pesto
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
Toss pasta with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini
In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, pesto, lemon juice, and salt to make dressing
Add dressing to pasta mixture and toss to coat
Stir in spinach and basil just before serving
Notes
For gluten-free option use chickpea pasta
Soak red onion in cold water for 5 minutes for milder flavor
Substitute arugula for spinach if preferred
Add roasted pistachios or sunflower seeds for extra protein
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Healthy Salad Recipes for Busy Families
- Method: Cooking, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx 180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg