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To make this delightful salad, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - ¼ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of sweetness - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for a fragrant garnish You can jazz up this salad with some tasty extras. Here are a few ideas: - Sliced almonds or pecans for added crunch - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Avocado slices for creaminess - Dried cranberries for extra sweetness - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: 10g - Fat: 18g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts) - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 4g - Sugars: 5g (natural sugars from fruit) This nutrient-packed dish makes a great choice for a light meal or side. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package time, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be firm but cooked, known as al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it quickly with cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool down completely. In a small bowl, mix the dressing. Whisk 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and well mixed. This dressing adds a nice tang and sweetness to your salad. Take a large mixing bowl and add the cooled rotini pasta. Next, add 4 cups of washed and dried fresh spinach. Then, add 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, and ¼ cup of coarsely chopped walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together. Be careful not to squish the spinach or strawberries. Now, drizzle your prepared dressing over the pasta salad. Use a big spoon to toss the salad carefully. Make sure everything is coated in the dressing. Taste it! If you want, add more salt or pepper for extra flavor. Place the salad in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This chill time helps the flavors blend well. It also makes the salad refreshing when served. Serve it cold for the best taste! Before you serve, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. This adds a nice aroma and a pop of color. It makes your salad look even more inviting! To cook rotini pasta just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. It should taste like the sea! Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and stir. Cook it according to the package for al dente. This means it should be firm to bite. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. Set it aside to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. The dressing can change the whole salad. If you want a twist, try lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar. You can also swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. For a creamy dressing, mix in some yogurt or sour cream. Add garlic or herbs to boost flavor. Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper for the best balance. You can even add a splash of orange juice for a fruity kick. For special days, serve this salad in a big, beautiful bowl. It looks great on a platter too! Use fresh basil leaves for a pop of color at the end. For extra flair, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top before serving. This adds a sweet touch and makes the dish shine. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste. It’s perfect for picnics, parties, or family gatherings. Everyone will love the mix of sweet strawberries and crunchy walnuts! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, make sure to follow the package instructions and taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. Freshness Matters: Use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find for the best flavor and nutrition. Seasonal produce will enhance the taste of the salad. Customizable Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or substituting with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients in advance but dress it just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and the pasta from becoming soggy. {{image_4}} You can change this salad with the seasons. In spring, add peas for a sweet crunch. In summer, toss in fresh corn for a burst of sweetness. In fall, use roasted pumpkin for warmth and flavor. Winter can bring in citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. These changes keep the salad fresh and exciting all year round. To make this salad vegan, swap feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Also, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without worry. You can boost the protein in this salad easily. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Chickpeas or black beans work well for a vegetarian option. You can even sprinkle in some sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. These additions make the salad more filling and satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner. To store leftover strawberry spinach pasta salad, place it in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to cover the container well to keep moisture out. This helps keep the salad fresh. The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. After this time, the spinach may wilt, and the strawberries can lose their crunch. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The pasta and fresh ingredients do not freeze well. They can become mushy and lose their flavor. If you want to save some, try just freezing the pasta separately. You can then make a fresh salad later with new ingredients. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Each type offers a unique texture. Choose what you like best. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best bite. You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Cook the pasta and make the dressing ahead. Keep the spinach, strawberries, and nuts separate until just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. You can add many fruits to this salad. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches are great choices. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet. They will add extra flavor and color to your dish. Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in individual containers. Just remember to add the dressing just before eating. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty for days. This blog post covered how to make a tasty pasta salad. We talked about key ingredients, optional toppings, and key nutritional facts. You learned step-by-step on cooking, dressing, and chilling your salad. I shared tips for cooking pasta, dressing ideas, and serving suggestions. We also explored fun variations and storage tips. In closing, you now have the tools to make a delicious salad. Get creative and enjoy serving it for any occasion!

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring strawberries and spinach, perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and coarsely chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss carefully until everything is coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for garnish.

Notes

For an appealing display, serve in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter. Drizzle additional balsamic glaze on top before serving.
Keyword healthy, pasta salad, spinach, strawberries