Tomato Bow Tie Salad

Bright, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion, this Tomato Bow Tie Salad combines the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender baby spinach with al dente bow tie pasta for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. Tossed with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette and featuring creamy mozzarella pearls, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Thinly sliced red onion adds a touch of sharpness, while optional parmesan cheese offers a savory finish. Ready in just 30 minutes and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for summer barbecues, quick lunches, or light dinners. Serve it chilled for a flavor-packed experience that’s both elegant and irresistibly satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 0.5 medium red onion
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cups parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 3

Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and baby spinach. Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, spinach, red onion, and mozzarella pearls.

Step 6

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and, if desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 9

Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1005.2 grams (1005.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2155

Total Fat 105.20g	135%
Saturated Fat 43.40g	217%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 163mg	54%
Sodium 3422mg	149%
Total Carbohydrate 205.90g	75%
Dietary Fiber 13.20g	47%
Total Sugars 30.00g
Protein 97.90g	196%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1664mg	128%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 1416mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 18.1%

Carbs: 38.1%