Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

$To make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped - 1 cup strawberries, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a bright and flavorful dish. The fusilli pasta adds a fun twist, while spinach and strawberries bring freshness. Feta cheese gives it a creamy touch, and pecans add a nice crunch. The dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey ties everything together with a sweet and tangy flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for that extra kick! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need 8 ounces of fusilli pasta. Bring a big pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the pasta in a strainer. Rinse it under cold water. This step cools the pasta and stops the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta with 4 cups of chopped spinach and 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Next, add 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Mixing these ingredients gives you a colorful and tasty salad. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing blends well. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients in the dressing. Be careful not to break the pasta or strawberries. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste. To make your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad look great, serve it in a large bowl. This gives a nice view of the colorful ingredients. For a fun touch, garnish the top with extra sliced strawberries and crumbled feta cheese. You could also add a few whole strawberries on the side. It adds charm and makes the dish pop. To make your salad taste even better, adjust the seasoning. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. Try adding basil or mint for a fresh twist. These simple changes can make your salad stand out even more. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Always opt for the freshest produce available. Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the spinach from wilting. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your taste preference. Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or vinegar based on your taste. A little extra acidity can brighten the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change the pasta in this salad. Try using penne or bowtie pasta instead of fusilli. Each shape brings a unique twist. If you want a gluten-free option, use chickpea or quinoa pasta. For cheese, feta is great, but you can swap it for goat cheese or mozzarella. Both options add a creamy touch. Nuts also provide a nice crunch. Instead of pecans, consider walnuts or almonds. They will taste amazing with the strawberries. The dressing is key to this salad. While the olive oil and balsamic vinegar mix well, you can try other dressings. A poppy seed dressing or a citrus vinaigrette will give a fresh taste. You can go homemade or store-bought with dressings. Homemade dressings let you control flavors and ingredients. They can taste fresher than store options. Store-bought dressings save time but check for added sugars. Using seasonal fruits and veggies can change your salad. In summer, add blueberries or peaches. In fall, consider apples or pears for a cozy twist. These fruits pair well with spinach and pasta. For holidays, think about themed adaptations. Add cranberries for Thanksgiving or pomegranate seeds for Christmas. These add color and flavor, making your salad festive and fun. After you enjoy your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, save the leftovers. To keep it fresh, place the salad in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making the salad soggy. Make sure to seal it tightly. If you have extra dressing, store it in a separate container. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. In the fridge, this salad lasts about 3 days. After that, the freshness fades. Look for signs that your salad has gone bad. If the spinach looks brown or wilty, it's time to toss it out. Also, if the strawberries feel mushy or smell sour, don't eat them. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! I suggest preparing the pasta and chopping the veggies early in the day. You can mix everything together and keep it in the fridge. Just wait to add the dressing until right before you serve it. This helps the salad stay fresh and tasty. Absolutely! Adding proteins can make this salad even better. You can toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. These proteins add great flavor and make the salad more filling. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent wilting. If you notice any sogginess, you can add fresh spinach just before serving. It’s also smart to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This way, everything stays crisp and bright! This salad combines pasta, fresh produce, and tasty cheese for a delightful dish. You can adjust flavors with various dressings and seasonings. Remember to store leftovers in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Try the tips for presentation and flavor enhancement for a beautiful meal. With these ideas and variations, you can customize your salad every time. Enjoy creating a dish that is not only delicious but also easy to make. Have fun mixing and matching your favorite ingredients!$

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad with strawberries, spinach, and feta, perfect for warm weather.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fusilli pasta
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
1 cup strawberries, sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted pecans.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine everything, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to your preference.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl and garnish with extra strawberries and feta for color.

Keyword healthy, pasta salad, spinach, strawberry