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To make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, gather these key items: - 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, torn into pieces - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped Each ingredient adds a burst of flavor and color. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well. Fresh spinach gives the salad a nice crunch. Strawberries provide sweetness. Feta cheese adds creaminess, while red onion gives a little bite. Walnuts add a lovely nutty flavor and crunch. For the dressing, you'll need: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing ties everything together. Olive oil brings richness. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy note. Honey balances the flavors with sweetness. Adjust salt and pepper to match your taste. This dressing is simple yet full of flavor. To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil. Once it bubbles, add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. While the pasta cools, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Now, take a whisk and mix everything together until it blends well. This dressing will bring all the flavors together in the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups of torn spinach, and 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Next, add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are coated. This helps each bite burst with flavor. For the best taste, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This wait helps the flavors blend nicely. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your fresh and colorful dish! You can change the ingredients in this salad. Try using penne or farfalle pasta instead of rotini. If you don’t like feta, use goat cheese or a dairy-free option. You can swap walnuts for pecans or sunflower seeds. If you want more color, add bell peppers or cucumbers. For protein, consider grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These options will make the salad heartier. If you want a meatless dish, go for beans or tofu. They add great texture and nutrients. Serve the salad in a large, clear bowl. This way, the bright colors show well. You can also use individual bowls for a nice touch. For garnishing, add extra strawberry slices on top. A drizzle of olive oil can make it shine. Consider using fresh herbs like mint or basil for garnish. They add a burst of flavor and a pop of green. You can also sprinkle some extra feta cheese on top for added taste. To save time, you can make this salad ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the dressing in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Mix the salad just before serving. This way, all the flavors will stay fresh. Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the taste. If you store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy your delicious creation later! {{image_2}} In spring and summer, I love to change this salad to fit the season. You can add fresh peas or diced cucumbers for a crisp bite. Both give a nice crunch and bright colors. In the summer, juicy peaches or blueberries can replace strawberries. They add sweetness and a fun twist to the dish. Seasonal fruits make this salad feel fresh and exciting. If you're looking for vegan options, swap feta cheese with a plant-based cheese. You can also use a mix of nuts for creaminess. Instead of honey, agave syrup works well as a sweetener. For gluten-free substitutes, try using gluten-free pasta. There are many great options made from rice or quinoa. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting dietary needs. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or mint. These herbs pair well with strawberries and give a vibrant taste. You might also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten all the flavors, too. Experimenting with these additions can make this salad even more delightful. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. However, the longer it sits, the softer the spinach and strawberries become. I do not recommend freezing the entire salad. Freezing changes the texture of fresh ingredients. If you want to freeze components, do so separately. You can freeze the pasta and nuts in one bag. Store the dressing in another container. Keep the spinach and strawberries in the fridge, as they do not freeze well. For the best quality, use the stored salad within three days. The pasta can last a bit longer if stored correctly. When frozen, the pasta can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. Yes, you can use other pasta. Some great options are: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle - Whole wheat pasta These choices add fun shapes and textures. Just remember to cook them until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty. To make this salad vegan, simply swap out the feta cheese. You can use: - Vegan feta cheese - Avocado for creaminess - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor For the dressing, replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps it sweet and delicious. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled chicken or tofu for protein - A crusty baguette for a hearty side - Light soup for a complete meal These pairings enhance the flavors and make a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your delicious strawberry spinach pasta salad! This blog post covered how to make a delicious salad with rotini pasta, fresh spinach, and strawberries. You saw how to prepare the dressing and assemble all the ingredients easily. I shared tips for customizing and presenting your salad, plus making it ahead of time. We even discussed variations for different diets and how to store it. Enjoy creating your own salad, and don't be afraid to try new flavors. Each bite can bring joy and nutrition to your meal!

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Elevate your meal with this refreshing Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh strawberries, crisp spinach, and tangy feta, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for summer picnics or a quick weeknight dinner, it's a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Click through to get the full recipe and impress your friends with this colorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, torn

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, torn spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, and chopped walnuts.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

          Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

            Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl and garnish with additional strawberry slices and a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal.