Discover a fresh take on pasta salad featuring sweet strawberries, baby spinach, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer lunches or light dinners, this recipe is easy to make and full of vibrant flavors.

This Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad offers a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors that brighten up any meal. The juicy strawberries add a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the earthy spinach and creamy feta. It’s a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent without being heavy.

Perfect for warm weather, this salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it a practical choice for busy days or entertaining guests. The combination of textures—from tender pasta to crunchy almonds—keeps each bite interesting and satisfying.

What stands out is how adaptable this salad is; it welcomes a variety of substitutions and additions, allowing it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings color and flavor to the table.

Its balance of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a go-to recipe for those who appreciate wholesome, flavorful meals without fuss.

Quick Facts

Recipe Highlights

This recipe has become a favorite for several reasons.

• Combines fresh fruit and greens for a nutritious boost
• Quick and simple to prepare, ideal for busy schedules
• Versatile enough to customize with different cheeses or nuts
• Serves well as a main dish or a side salad
• Keeps well in the fridge for easy leftovers
• Suitable for vegetarian diets and easily adaptable for vegans

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful and colorful pasta salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

• 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

Follow these steps to assemble the salad quickly and easily, ensuring each component is prepared just right.

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and basil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Add the crumbled feta and toasted almonds, folding them in carefully to avoid breaking the cheese.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful hints to make your pasta salad turn out perfectly every time.

• Use cold water to rinse pasta after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant for extra crunch and flavor.
• If strawberries are very juicy, drain them slightly to avoid watering down the salad.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to allow the dressing to infuse the ingredients.
• For a creamier texture, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs, consider these ingredient swaps.

• Swap feta cheese with goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds to change the nutty profile.
• Replace baby spinach with arugula or mixed greens for a peppery twist.
• Try quinoa or couscous instead of pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
• Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey to make the dressing vegan-friendly.

Storage Tips

To keep your pasta salad fresh and tasty, follow these storage guidelines.

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
• Avoid freezing as the texture of fresh spinach and strawberries will be compromised.
• Consume leftovers within a couple of days for the best taste and quality.

Nutritional Info