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Cold Bowtie Pasta Salad with Pesto

Cold Bowtie Pasta Salad with Pesto for Effortless Summer Bliss

This Cold Bowtie Pasta Salad with Pesto is a refreshing, easy summer meal, perfect for hot days or picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Bowtie Pasta also use penne or rotini as alternatives
For the Pesto
  • 1 cup Pesto store-bought or homemade; for vegan, use dairy-free pesto
For the Freshness
  • 8 oz Fresh Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes) swap in any seasonal veggies
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (fresh) consider dairy-free cheese for a vegan swap
For Flavor Enhancement
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil for coating the pasta
  • 1 unit Lemon Juice fresh juice is best
  • to taste Salt season generously
For Extra Crunch
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts (optional) lightly toasted; substitute with toasted almonds if preferred

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Transfer rinsed pasta to a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and toss gently to coat.
  3. Add pesto into the bowl with the pasta and fold until well-coated.
  4. Add chopped fresh vegetables and diced mozzarella. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and season with salt. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
  6. Cover the salad and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste. Use seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor. Allow flavors to meld by chilling the salad before serving.

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