![- 8 oz. whole wheat or gluten-free pasta - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 2 cups fresh strawberries - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced almonds The main ingredients for this salad make it colorful and tasty. I love to use whole wheat pasta, but gluten-free works just as well. Baby spinach adds a nice crunch and nutrients. Strawberries bring sweetness, making every bite enjoyable. Feta cheese adds a creamy texture, while sliced almonds give a delightful crunch. - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is simple but packs a punch. Olive oil is the base, and balsamic vinegar adds tang. Honey balances the flavors with its sweet notes. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste; they bring everything together. - Extra sliced strawberries - Whole spinach leaves To make your salad look beautiful, consider these garnishes. Extra sliced strawberries add color and freshness. Whole spinach leaves can create a nice visual appeal. These little touches make the dish look professional and inviting. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 oz. of whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool down while you prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. You need 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing is key to balancing flavors. A good dressing will elevate your salad. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, toss in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup) and toasted sliced almonds (1/4 cup) also go in. Finally, add 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Gently combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the strawberries. Let the salad chill for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter. Add extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of feta on top. Garnish with a few whole spinach leaves for added color. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To ensure your pasta is cooked perfectly, always use salted water. The salt adds flavor right from the start. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy in the salad. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools down the pasta. This way, it mixes well with the fresh greens and fruits without wilting them. When it comes to dressing, you can substitute sweeteners if you want. Instead of honey, try agave syrup or maple syrup for a different taste. For oils, olive oil is great, but you can also use avocado oil or walnut oil. Each oil adds its own unique flavor profile, letting you customize your salad. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types available today. For vegan modifications, skip the feta cheese and use tofu or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also add more nuts or seeds for extra protein and crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy your delicious strawberry spinach pasta salad! {{image_2}} You can make this salad even more fresh by adding herbs. Fresh basil or mint pairs well with strawberries. You can also try dill for a unique twist. In summer, many fruits are ripe and sweet. You might add peaches or blueberries for extra flavor. These fruits can brighten your salad and add color. Each fruit brings its own taste, making the salad more exciting. If you want to make this dish a full meal, add protein. Grilled chicken works great and adds a nice smoky flavor. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein, which helps you feel full. Adding protein not only boosts nutrition but also brings a new texture. You can mix in shrimp or tofu for even more variety. When hosting a big gathering, scale up the recipe. Double or triple the ingredients to ensure everyone gets a serving. This salad is a crowd-pleaser, so more is always better! For smaller meals, you can adjust the recipe down. Halving the ingredients still gives you a tasty dish without leftovers. It makes it easy to enjoy this salad anytime you want. For the full recipe, check the previous section. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps avoid moisture loss and keeps the salad crisp. You can use glass containers or plastic ones. Glass containers are great because they do not stain. If you have leftovers, eat them within three days for the best taste. You can freeze Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, but I do not recommend it. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and spinach. If you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Use the salad within a month for the best flavor. Get creative with your leftovers! You can turn the salad into a wrap. Use a whole wheat tortilla and fill it with the salad. Roll it up for a tasty lunch. Another idea is to make a sandwich. Spread some hummus on bread and add the salad. It makes a fun and fresh meal. You can store this salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you notice any browning on the spinach or strawberries, it's time to toss it out. Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance. To do this, cook the pasta and make the dressing a day before. Keep these two items separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp. Mix everything together just before serving. You can get creative with fruits! Try using blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples. Each fruit adds a unique flavor and texture. You can also mix different fruits for a colorful twist. A blend of strawberries and blueberries looks beautiful and tastes great! In this blog post, I covered how to make a delicious Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. We discussed the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your salad. I shared ideas for variations and storage methods that keep your salad fresh. Remember, you can customize ingredients to fit your taste. This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthy choice. Try new fruits and proteins to enjoy it in different ways. Keep this recipe handy for your next meal!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ddd05ea0-a745-4573-8e7e-de3ef1da22eb-250x250.webp)
Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
Discover the refreshing Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines whole wheat pasta, fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds, all drizzled with a delicious homemade dressing. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it's a healthy, colorful addition to your table. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!