Spring Spinach Strawberry Pasta Salad (Printable)

Refreshing pasta salad combining tender farfalle, baby spinach, fresh strawberries, and homemade poppy seed dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta

→ Salad

02 - 3.5 oz baby spinach, washed and dried
03 - 7 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
04 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
05 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Poppy Seed Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon honey
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Cook 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.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine cooled pasta, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted almonds.
04 - Drizzle poppy seed dressing over salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of fresh fruit and savory feta creates a balanced flavor profile.
  • It is incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.
  • The homemade poppy seed dressing is far superior to store-bought versions.
02 -
  • Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
  • Always use the freshest strawberries available for the best sweetness.
  • If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
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