Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Pasta salads have earned their place as a beloved staple in the world of culinary delights, celebrated for their versatility and ability to complement any meal. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue, a light lunch, or a delightful main course, pasta salads can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. One particularly refreshing and vibrant option is the Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, a dish that marries the sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Discover the refreshing Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, a perfect summer dish that combines sweet strawberries with earthy spinach for a delightful flavor balance. Easy to prepare, this salad features nutritious whole wheat pasta, crunchy nuts, tangy feta, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Ideal for barbecues or light lunches, it offers a healthy, vibrant twist that showcases seasonal ingredients while being packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Impress your friends and family with this delicious, nutritious salad that's both visually stunning and satisfying!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (rotini or penne)

4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, wash and dry the baby spinach. Slice the strawberries and cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients together.

Add the Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the salad for extra crunch.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy: Serve as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course for a delightful summer meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6