Description
Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing summer dish that combines sweet strawberries, tender pasta, fresh greens, creamy cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing. This salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it is a crowd-pleaser ideal for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini or bow-tie pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain well and rinse under cool water to stop cooking. Allow the pasta to cool completely before assembling the salad.
- Prepare the produce: While the pasta cooks and cools, hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces. Thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, sliced strawberries, baby spinach, arugula, sliced red onion, chopped basil, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top if using, adding a pleasant crunch to the salad.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or cover and chill briefly in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the melding of flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen berries may release excess liquid.
- For variety, substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Add grilled or roasted chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches can be added or substituted for strawberries.
- Keep dressing separate if preparing the salad ahead to maintain texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Optional nuts to complement strawberries include pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese or replace with avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
