DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

greenmealmap

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad Fresh and Flavorful Delight

by
- Rotini pasta - Fresh baby spinach - Strawberries - Feta cheese - Almonds - Red onion - Balsamic glaze - Olive oil - Salt and pepper - 8 oz rotini pasta - 3 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup almonds, sliced - ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ¼ cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Additional sliced strawberries - Sprinkle of feta cheese - Drizzle of extra balsamic glaze I love this salad because it bursts with color and flavor. The rotini pasta forms a fun base for the dish. It holds the dressing well and adds a nice texture. Fresh baby spinach adds a crisp, green touch. Strawberries bring sweetness, making each bite exciting. I use hulled and sliced strawberries for easy eating. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty kick. The sliced almonds give a satisfying crunch. I also add thinly sliced red onion for a sharp taste. The balance of these ingredients creates a delightful mix. For the dressing, I whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil. This combo adds a tangy and rich flavor. I sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance it further. You can adjust the salt to fit your taste. To finish, I recommend garnishing with more sliced strawberries and feta. This makes the salad look stunning. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a lovely touch. Once you try this salad, you'll be hooked! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil 8 oz of rotini pasta in salted water. - Cook until al dente for the best texture. - Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. - In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with 3 cups of fresh baby spinach. - Add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. - Incorporate ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. - Toss in ¼ cup of sliced almonds and ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion. - In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup balsamic glaze with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. - Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. - Gently toss until all ingredients are coated. - Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. To make great pasta, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast. Let your salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well. If you want more taste, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. You can also add more balsamic glaze to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor. When serving, use a large, shallow bowl. This lets everyone see the bright colors. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of feta cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle more balsamic glaze on top. It adds flair and makes the salad look even more appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and spinach to enhance the salad's flavor and nutritional value. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can intensify the flavors and make it more refreshing. Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal that's both filling and nutritious. {{image_2}} You can switch up the greens in this salad. Try using arugula or kale for a different taste. If you want to add more fruit, blueberries or sliced apples work great too. These fruits add a nice crunch and sweet flavor. Adding protein makes this salad heartier. Grilled chicken is a tasty choice. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. If you want to change the cheese, goat cheese can add a creamy touch. Vinaigrettes can change the whole flavor of the salad. A honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette can be refreshing. For a homemade dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. This gives you more control over flavor and freshness. After making the salad, store leftovers in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This salad stays good for about three days. To maintain the best taste, eat it within that time. Keep the dressing separate if you can. This way, the salad won’t get soggy. Add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor. Freezing the salad is not recommended. The pasta and spinach do not freeze well. They can become mushy when thawed. Berries like strawberries also lose their texture in the freezer. If you want to store ingredients, freeze the pasta alone. You can prepare it and mix it later with fresh ingredients. If you need to warm the pasta, do so gently. Place it in a pot with a splash of water. Heat over low until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out. After warming, mix it with fresh spinach and other ingredients. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well as it sits. To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the label to ensure it’s safe for your diet. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. You can also use crumbled tofu for a dairy-free option. These will still give your salad a lovely creamy texture. This salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just note that the spinach may wilt over time. Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also great choices. They add texture and a boost of nutrition. This blog post covered how to make a fresh Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. We looked at all the needed ingredients and their measurements. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this salad for a light meal or side dish. The flavors will impress everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a tasty and fresh side dish, I have the perfect recipe for you: Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. This colorful dish combines the sweetness of strawberries with the crunch of almonds and the creaminess of feta cheese. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it ideal for any meal or gathering. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delightful salad!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Flavorful: This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the savory feta and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful mix of flavors.
  2. Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for a fast and delicious meal or side dish.
  3. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach, strawberries, and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
  4. Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for a visually stunning dish that’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

– Rotini pasta

– Fresh baby spinach

– Strawberries

– Feta cheese

– Almonds

– Red onion

– Balsamic glaze

– Olive oil

– Salt and pepper

Ingredient Measurements

– 8 oz rotini pasta

– 3 cups fresh baby spinach

– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

– ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

– ¼ cup almonds, sliced

– ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

– ¼ cup balsamic glaze

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes

– Additional sliced strawberries

– Sprinkle of feta cheese

– Drizzle of extra balsamic glaze

I love this salad because it bursts with color and flavor. The rotini pasta forms a fun base for the dish. It holds the dressing well and adds a nice texture. Fresh baby spinach adds a crisp, green touch. Strawberries bring sweetness, making each bite exciting. I use hulled and sliced strawberries for easy eating.

Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty kick. The sliced almonds give a satisfying crunch. I also add thinly sliced red onion for a sharp taste. The balance of these ingredients creates a delightful mix.

For the dressing, I whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil. This combo adds a tangy and rich flavor. I sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance it further. You can adjust the salt to fit your taste.

To finish, I recommend garnishing with more sliced strawberries and feta. This makes the salad look stunning. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a lovely touch. Once you try this salad, you’ll be hooked!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

– Boil 8 oz of rotini pasta in salted water.

– Cook until al dente for the best texture.

– Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.

Combining the Salad Ingredients

– In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with 3 cups of fresh baby spinach.

– Add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries.

– Incorporate ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese.

– Toss in ¼ cup of sliced almonds and ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion.

Preparing the Dressing

– In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup balsamic glaze with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

– Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Tossing the Salad

– Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix.

– Gently toss until all ingredients are coated.

– Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Pasta

To make great pasta, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast.

Enhancing Flavor

Let your salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well. If you want more taste, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. You can also add more balsamic glaze to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor.

Presentation Tips

When serving, use a large, shallow bowl. This lets everyone see the bright colors. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of feta cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle more balsamic glaze on top. It adds flair and makes the salad look even more appealing.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and spinach to enhance the salad’s flavor and nutritional value.
  2. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile.
  3. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can intensify the flavors and make it more refreshing.
  4. Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can switch up the greens in this salad. Try using arugula or kale for a different taste. If you want to add more fruit, blueberries or sliced apples work great too. These fruits add a nice crunch and sweet flavor.

Protein Additions

Adding protein makes this salad heartier. Grilled chicken is a tasty choice. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. If you want to change the cheese, goat cheese can add a creamy touch.

Dressing Alternatives

Vinaigrettes can change the whole flavor of the salad. A honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette can be refreshing. For a homemade dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. This gives you more control over flavor and freshness.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

After making the salad, store leftovers in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This salad stays good for about three days. To maintain the best taste, eat it within that time. Keep the dressing separate if you can. This way, the salad won’t get soggy. Add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor.

Long-Term Storage

Freezing the salad is not recommended. The pasta and spinach do not freeze well. They can become mushy when thawed. Berries like strawberries also lose their texture in the freezer. If you want to store ingredients, freeze the pasta alone. You can prepare it and mix it later with fresh ingredients.

Reheating Instructions

If you need to warm the pasta, do so gently. Place it in a pot with a splash of water. Heat over low until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out. After warming, mix it with fresh spinach and other ingredients. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well as it sits.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the label to ensure it’s safe for your diet.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. You can also use crumbled tofu for a dairy-free option. These will still give your salad a lovely creamy texture.

How long does the salad last in the fridge?

This salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just note that the spinach may wilt over time.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also great choices. They add texture and a boost of nutrition.

This blog post covered how to make a fresh Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. We looked at all the needed ingredients and their measurements. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers.

Enjoy making this salad for a light meal or side dish. The flavors will impress everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients. Happy cookin

- Rotini pasta - Fresh baby spinach - Strawberries - Feta cheese - Almonds - Red onion - Balsamic glaze - Olive oil - Salt and pepper - 8 oz rotini pasta - 3 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup almonds, sliced - ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced - ¼ cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Additional sliced strawberries - Sprinkle of feta cheese - Drizzle of extra balsamic glaze I love this salad because it bursts with color and flavor. The rotini pasta forms a fun base for the dish. It holds the dressing well and adds a nice texture. Fresh baby spinach adds a crisp, green touch. Strawberries bring sweetness, making each bite exciting. I use hulled and sliced strawberries for easy eating. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty kick. The sliced almonds give a satisfying crunch. I also add thinly sliced red onion for a sharp taste. The balance of these ingredients creates a delightful mix. For the dressing, I whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil. This combo adds a tangy and rich flavor. I sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance it further. You can adjust the salt to fit your taste. To finish, I recommend garnishing with more sliced strawberries and feta. This makes the salad look stunning. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a lovely touch. Once you try this salad, you'll be hooked! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil 8 oz of rotini pasta in salted water. - Cook until al dente for the best texture. - Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. - In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with 3 cups of fresh baby spinach. - Add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. - Incorporate ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. - Toss in ¼ cup of sliced almonds and ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion. - In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup balsamic glaze with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. - Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. - Gently toss until all ingredients are coated. - Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. To make great pasta, cook it al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast. Let your salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well. If you want more taste, try adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. You can also add more balsamic glaze to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor. When serving, use a large, shallow bowl. This lets everyone see the bright colors. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of feta cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle more balsamic glaze on top. It adds flair and makes the salad look even more appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and spinach to enhance the salad's flavor and nutritional value. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor profile. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can intensify the flavors and make it more refreshing. Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a complete meal that's both filling and nutritious. {{image_2}} You can switch up the greens in this salad. Try using arugula or kale for a different taste. If you want to add more fruit, blueberries or sliced apples work great too. These fruits add a nice crunch and sweet flavor. Adding protein makes this salad heartier. Grilled chicken is a tasty choice. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. If you want to change the cheese, goat cheese can add a creamy touch. Vinaigrettes can change the whole flavor of the salad. A honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette can be refreshing. For a homemade dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs. This gives you more control over flavor and freshness. After making the salad, store leftovers in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This salad stays good for about three days. To maintain the best taste, eat it within that time. Keep the dressing separate if you can. This way, the salad won’t get soggy. Add the dressing just before serving for the best flavor. Freezing the salad is not recommended. The pasta and spinach do not freeze well. They can become mushy when thawed. Berries like strawberries also lose their texture in the freezer. If you want to store ingredients, freeze the pasta alone. You can prepare it and mix it later with fresh ingredients. If you need to warm the pasta, do so gently. Place it in a pot with a splash of water. Heat over low until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out. After warming, mix it with fresh spinach and other ingredients. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well as it sits. To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the label to ensure it’s safe for your diet. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. You can also use crumbled tofu for a dairy-free option. These will still give your salad a lovely creamy texture. This salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just note that the spinach may wilt over time. Absolutely! You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also great choices. They add texture and a boost of nutrition. This blog post covered how to make a fresh Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. We looked at all the needed ingredients and their measurements. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Enjoy making this salad for a light meal or side dish. The flavors will impress everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients. Happy cooking!

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad with strawberries, spinach, and feta cheese, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup almonds, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and thinly sliced red onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze and olive oil until well combined.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with additional sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a pop of color. You can also drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for added flair.
Keyword feta, healthy, pasta salad, spinach, strawberry

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating