Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad! Packed with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pasta, fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and creamy feta, this salad is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or a light lunch, it's easy to make in just 30 minutes.Click through for all the details!
8 oz. whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (recommend fusilli or bowtie shapes for better texture)
2 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly rinsed and gently dried
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, preferably from a block for better texture
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden for enhanced flavor
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced for a mild sharpness
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for a rich dressing
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, for a tangy sweetness
1 tablespoon honey, or maple syrup for a vegan option
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
![For this easy summer dish, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz. whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (fusilli or bowtie shapes work best) - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly rinsed and gently dried - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin rounds - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, preferably from a block for better texture - 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden for enhanced flavor - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced for a mild sharpness - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for a rich dressing - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for a tangy sweetness - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a vegan option - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste You can swap ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Use quinoa or chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta for added protein. - Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option. - Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor. - Try spinach with kale or mixed greens to change the greens in the salad. - Substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener. Understanding the nutrition can help you make informed choices. Here’s a breakdown: - Whole wheat pasta: High in fiber, offers energy and keeps you full. - Baby spinach: Low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and iron. - Strawberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, good for skin health. - Feta cheese: Provides calcium and protein but is higher in sodium. - Sliced almonds: Healthy fats and protein, great for heart health. - Red onion: Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory effects. - Extra-virgin olive oil: Full of healthy fats and supports heart health. - Balsamic vinegar: Low in calories, adds flavor without extra fat. - Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that offer some nutrients. - Salt and pepper: Used to enhance flavor, but use in moderation. This information helps you know what’s in your food. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To make this salad, follow these easy steps. First, gather all your ingredients. Make sure everything is fresh and ready before you start cooking. This helps keep the process smooth and fun! Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a big pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the pasta. I recommend using whole wheat or gluten-free fusilli or bowtie shapes. Cook the pasta as per the package instructions until it is al dente. When it's done, drain the pasta. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it drain well before mixing it into the salad. For the dressing, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything well. This makes the dressing smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the salt or honey if you like. This dressing adds a delightful tang to your salad. Check out the [Full Recipe] for exact measurements and more details! Start with the pasta. Make sure it is cool before adding the other items. This keeps the spinach fresh. Add the spinach next. It will wilt if you mix it in too early. Next, gently toss in the strawberries, feta, and almonds. Use a big spoon or tongs to mix. This helps keep the strawberries and feta intact. Finally, drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss again until everything is coated. For a stunning look, use a big white platter. This makes the colors pop. Arrange the salad in the center, leaving space around the edges. Add extra strawberries and feta on top for style. Whole spinach leaves can add a fresh touch. You can also serve salad in clear bowls. This way, everyone can see the vibrant mix of colors. To avoid a soggy salad, use fresh ingredients. Wait to dress the salad until just before serving. If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately. This keeps everything crisp. You can also add the spinach last. It will stay fresher longer this way. Lastly, try not to overmix. Gentle tossing helps keep the salad intact. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your salad. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can boost flavor and nutrition. For chicken, use grilled or shredded pieces. Shrimp can be sautéed with garlic for extra taste. Tofu should be firm and cubed. Marinate it with soy sauce for a savory touch. Mix your chosen protein into the salad after tossing the pasta and veggies. This change makes the dish hearty and filling. If you want a vegan dressing, switch honey for maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness but aligns with plant-based diets. You can also add more herbs, like basil or cilantro, to enhance the flavor. These additions bring freshness and aroma to the dressing. Simply mix them into the olive oil and vinegar blend. This small tweak keeps the salad vibrant and satisfying without losing taste. You can swap ingredients based on the season to keep it fun. In spring, try adding peas or fresh herbs like dill. In summer, consider ripe peaches or blueberries instead of strawberries. In fall, roasted butternut squash can add sweetness. In winter, try using pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. These swaps can create a new experience each time you make the salad. It keeps your meals exciting and full of joy. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from wilting. Make sure to separate the dressing if possible. This keeps the spinach and pasta from getting soggy. Use a container that fits snugly to minimize air exposure. You don’t need to reheat this salad, as it tastes best cold. If you want to refresh it, simply add a bit more dressing. Toss the salad gently to mix the new dressing, and serve right away. You can also add fresh strawberries or spinach to liven it up. The salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. The pasta and spinach may lose their crunch over time. Strawberries can become mushy as they sit. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, eat the salad within the first two days. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours before serving. This way, the flavors blend together nicely. However, add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the greens fresh and crisp. I suggest using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Fusilli or bowtie shapes work best. Their curves hold the dressing and flavors well. They add a fun texture to the salad too. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and stays tasty for a few days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This helps maintain the salad's crunch. If you want a change, try using lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Both add a nice tang. You can also use a creamy dressing like ranch or poppy seed if you prefer. Just make sure it complements the salad's flavors. You can find the full recipe for Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad in the main article. It includes detailed steps and tips to create this refreshing dish. Enjoy making it! This post detailed how to make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned about substitutions, storage, and variations to keep it fresh. Remember, salad is flexible. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to your taste. Enjoy your salad, and share it with friends for a delightful meal. Happy cooking!](https://tastymomrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ddd05ea0-a745-4573-8e7e-de3ef1da22eb-250x250.webp)