Spring Spinach Strawberry Pasta Salad

This Spring Spinach Strawberry Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of the season. Featuring tender bow-tie pasta, fresh baby spinach, and sweet strawberries, it is brought together by a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

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With its beautiful colors and light ingredients, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 250 g (8 oz) bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
• Salad: 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, washed and dried; 200 g (7 oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 50 g (1/3 cup) sliced almonds, toasted; 60 g (1/2 cup) crumbled feta cheese (optional); 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)
• Poppy Seed Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted almonds.

Step 4

Drizzle with the poppy seed dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5

Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil, if using. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the salad remains fresh and crisp, always drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until it is completely cooled before mixing it with the baby spinach and strawberries.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.

Serviervorschläge

This delightful salad pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé, making it a wonderful addition to a sunny afternoon meal.

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Enjoy this light and wholesome pasta salad that perfectly embodies the flavors of spring.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh. Store the dressing, cooked pasta, and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What can I use instead of bow-tie pasta?

Any medium-sized pasta works well—try penne, rotini, or orecchiette. The key is choosing a shape that holds the dressing and mixes well with the delicate salad ingredients.

→ How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before tossing with the dressing. Pat the spinach dry thoroughly and add the strawberries just before serving. If storing, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the pasta, chop vegetables, and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble when needed for best texture and freshness throughout the week.

→ What wine pairs best with this salad?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complement the sweet strawberries and tangy dressing beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness of the nuts and cheese.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with plant-based alternatives. All other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this an easy vegan adaptation.