![- 8 oz fusilli or bowtie pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Gathering fresh ingredients makes this salad shine. I love using fusilli or bowtie pasta for its fun shape. It holds the dressing well and adds a playful touch. Spinach gives a nice crunch and bright color. Strawberries add sweetness and a pop of flavor. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty bite. I always toast my walnuts. This step boosts their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. The dressing is simple yet flavorful. Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich base, while balsamic vinegar adds tang. Honey balances the tanginess nicely. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can find the Full Recipe to explore this salad in detail. Enjoy mixing these ingredients for a fresh and vibrant meal. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of fusilli or bowtie pasta. - Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. - In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta. - Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. - Fold in 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts gently. - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. - Toss everything together gently until coated. - Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors. This recipe combines fresh ingredients into a vibrant dish. For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and stir it right away. Follow the cooking time on the package, but check it a minute early. Taste a piece to see if it is firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. To prevent pasta from sticking, add a splash of olive oil to the water before boiling. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil. This keeps it loose and ready for your salad. For a burst of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the taste too. Consider using a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Quality ingredients matter. Choose ripe strawberries and fresh spinach. They make your dish taste amazing. For visual appeal, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. It highlights the bright colors of the spinach and strawberries. You can garnish with extra strawberry slices. A sprinkle of crumbled feta on top adds a nice touch too. Serving it this way makes everyone eager to dig in. {{image_4}} Adding protein can make your strawberry spinach pasta salad more filling and tasty. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. These proteins pair well with the sweet strawberries and tangy feta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. Both options boost protein without meat. Next, let’s talk about flavor adjustments. You can switch out strawberries for seasonal fruits. Ripe peaches or fresh blueberries also add a sweet touch. You can also try different types of cheese. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a salty kick. Each cheese changes the salad’s taste in a unique way. Dressing alternatives can elevate your salad even more. You can make a homemade vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil. This brightens up the dish. You can also swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider or red wine vinegar. Different sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave, can add a new layer of flavor. Experiment to find the mix you love best! For the full recipe and instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store leftover Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the salad may lose its crunch and flavor. This salad is best served cold. If you want to refresh it, simply toss it gently before serving. If it looks wilted or has an off smell, it’s time to let it go. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. To prepare it in advance, cook the pasta and let it cool. Mix the other ingredients, but keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. You can use other greens in this salad. Arugula adds a peppery taste. Kale or romaine can also work well. Just ensure the greens are fresh and washed well. You can even mix different greens for extra flavor. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers. It stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. Just remember to add the dressing before you eat it. This way, your salad remains tasty and crunchy. This salad is a simple mix of pasta, fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta. You learned the steps to cook pasta and blend in flavors. You can even switch up ingredients or add protein for variety. Enjoy experimenting with this refreshing dish. Make it your own by trying different greens or making it ahead. This salad is perfect for a meal or as a side. Share it with friends and family to enjoy together!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/071eb6d8-e96b-4b83-a025-ac76eee65d06-768x768.webp)
Looking for a fresh and tasty meal? This Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad is just what you need! Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, it’s perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients like pasta, spinach, and strawberries, you can whip it up in no time. Join me as I guide you through this easy recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 8 oz fusilli or bowtie pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Additional Ingredients
– 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Gathering fresh ingredients makes this salad shine. I love using fusilli or bowtie pasta for its fun shape. It holds the dressing well and adds a playful touch. Spinach gives a nice crunch and bright color. Strawberries add sweetness and a pop of flavor. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty bite.
I always toast my walnuts. This step boosts their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. The dressing is simple yet flavorful. Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich base, while balsamic vinegar adds tang. Honey balances the tanginess nicely. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
You can find the Full Recipe to explore this salad in detail. Enjoy mixing these ingredients for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
– Bring salted water to a boil.
– Add 8 oz of fusilli or bowtie pasta.
– Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
– Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
Mixing the Salad
– In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta.
– Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
– Fold in 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts gently.
Preparing the Dressing
– In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Dressing the Salad
– Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
– Toss everything together gently until coated.
– Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
This recipe combines fresh ingredients into a vibrant dish. For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Pasta
To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and stir it right away. Follow the cooking time on the package, but check it a minute early. Taste a piece to see if it is firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast.
To prevent pasta from sticking, add a splash of olive oil to the water before boiling. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil. This keeps it loose and ready for your salad.
Enhancing Flavor
For a burst of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the taste too. Consider using a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Quality ingredients matter. Choose ripe strawberries and fresh spinach. They make your dish taste amazing.
Presentation Ideas
For visual appeal, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. It highlights the bright colors of the spinach and strawberries. You can garnish with extra strawberry slices. A sprinkle of crumbled feta on top adds a nice touch too. Serving it this way makes everyone eager to dig in.
Variations
Adding protein can make your strawberry spinach pasta salad more filling and tasty. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. These proteins pair well with the sweet strawberries and tangy feta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. Both options boost protein without meat.
Next, let’s talk about flavor adjustments. You can switch out strawberries for seasonal fruits. Ripe peaches or fresh blueberries also add a sweet touch. You can also try different types of cheese. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a salty kick. Each cheese changes the salad’s taste in a unique way.
Dressing alternatives can elevate your salad even more. You can make a homemade vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil. This brightens up the dish. You can also swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider or red wine vinegar. Different sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave, can add a new layer of flavor. Experiment to find the mix you love best!
For the full recipe and instructions, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
When to Store
Store leftover Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the salad may lose its crunch and flavor.
Reheating Guidelines
This salad is best served cold. If you want to refresh it, simply toss it gently before serving. If it looks wilted or has an off smell, it’s time to let it go. Always trust your senses!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. To prepare it in advance, cook the pasta and let it cool. Mix the other ingredients, but keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
What other greens can I use?
You can use other greens in this salad. Arugula adds a peppery taste. Kale or romaine can also work well. Just ensure the greens are fresh and washed well. You can even mix different greens for extra flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers. It stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. Just remember to add the dressing before you eat it. This way, your salad remains tasty and crunchy.
This salad is a simple mix of pasta, fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta. You learned the steps to cook pasta and blend in flavors. You can even switch up ingredients or add protein for variety.
Enjoy experimenting with this refreshing dish. Make it your own by trying different greens or making it ahead. This salad is perfect for a meal or as a side. Share it with friends and family to enjoy together!
![- 8 oz fusilli or bowtie pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Gathering fresh ingredients makes this salad shine. I love using fusilli or bowtie pasta for its fun shape. It holds the dressing well and adds a playful touch. Spinach gives a nice crunch and bright color. Strawberries add sweetness and a pop of flavor. Feta cheese brings a creamy, salty bite. I always toast my walnuts. This step boosts their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. The dressing is simple yet flavorful. Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich base, while balsamic vinegar adds tang. Honey balances the tanginess nicely. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. You can find the Full Recipe to explore this salad in detail. Enjoy mixing these ingredients for a fresh and vibrant meal. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of fusilli or bowtie pasta. - Cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. - In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta. - Add 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. - Fold in 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts gently. - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. - Toss everything together gently until coated. - Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors. This recipe combines fresh ingredients into a vibrant dish. For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and stir it right away. Follow the cooking time on the package, but check it a minute early. Taste a piece to see if it is firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. To prevent pasta from sticking, add a splash of olive oil to the water before boiling. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil. This keeps it loose and ready for your salad. For a burst of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the taste too. Consider using a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Quality ingredients matter. Choose ripe strawberries and fresh spinach. They make your dish taste amazing. For visual appeal, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. It highlights the bright colors of the spinach and strawberries. You can garnish with extra strawberry slices. A sprinkle of crumbled feta on top adds a nice touch too. Serving it this way makes everyone eager to dig in. {{image_4}} Adding protein can make your strawberry spinach pasta salad more filling and tasty. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. These proteins pair well with the sweet strawberries and tangy feta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. Both options boost protein without meat. Next, let’s talk about flavor adjustments. You can switch out strawberries for seasonal fruits. Ripe peaches or fresh blueberries also add a sweet touch. You can also try different types of cheese. Goat cheese adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a salty kick. Each cheese changes the salad’s taste in a unique way. Dressing alternatives can elevate your salad even more. You can make a homemade vinaigrette with lemon juice and olive oil. This brightens up the dish. You can also swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider or red wine vinegar. Different sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave, can add a new layer of flavor. Experiment to find the mix you love best! For the full recipe and instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. Store leftover Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the salad may lose its crunch and flavor. This salad is best served cold. If you want to refresh it, simply toss it gently before serving. If it looks wilted or has an off smell, it’s time to let it go. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. To prepare it in advance, cook the pasta and let it cool. Mix the other ingredients, but keep the dressing separate. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. You can use other greens in this salad. Arugula adds a peppery taste. Kale or romaine can also work well. Just ensure the greens are fresh and washed well. You can even mix different greens for extra flavor. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers. It stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. Just remember to add the dressing before you eat it. This way, your salad remains tasty and crunchy. This salad is a simple mix of pasta, fresh spinach, strawberries, and feta. You learned the steps to cook pasta and blend in flavors. You can even switch up ingredients or add protein for variety. Enjoy experimenting with this refreshing dish. Make it your own by trying different greens or making it ahead. This salad is perfect for a meal or as a side. Share it with friends and family to enjoy together!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/071eb6d8-e96b-4b83-a025-ac76eee65d06-250x250.webp)
