Spring and summer call for fresh, vibrant dishes, and this Strawberry Pasta Salad with Feta is a perfect fit! The sweet strawberries bring a burst of juicy freshness, balanced by the creamy, slightly salty feta. Tossed with crunchy walnuts, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy balsamic dressing, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it a great choice for picnics, BBQs, or even a quick weeknight meal. Serve it chilled for a refreshing twist, or enjoy it right after tossing everything together. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will brighten up any dining table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 9 oz (250g) pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 7 oz (200g) fresh strawberries, quartered
- 3.5 oz (100g) crumbled feta cheese
- 3.5 oz (100g) cucumber, sliced
- 3.5 oz (100g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 oz (30g) red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup (50g) toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup (20g) baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup (20g) arugula leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp (45g) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30g) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp (20g) honey
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
Directions:
- Preheat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add walnuts and toast, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta.
- Add red onion, toasted walnuts, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Gently fold in quartered strawberries, crumbled feta, baby spinach, and arugula.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: ~350 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pasta Salad
This dish is not just visually stunning with its vibrant reds, greens, and whites it’s also packed with fresh flavors and textures that make every bite exciting. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this strawberry pasta salad:
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors – The sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs beautifully with the tangy, salty feta cheese and the mild bitterness of arugula and spinach.
- A Variety of Textures – You get crunch from toasted walnuts, softness from pasta, and juiciness from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Quick and Easy to Make – With just 20 minutes of preparation, this salad is ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Nutritious and Wholesome – It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, making it both delicious and good for you.
- Versatile and Customizable – Whether you want to add a protein like grilled chicken, swap the feta for goat cheese, or try a different dressing, this recipe can be tailored to your preferences.
The Inspiration Behind This Dish
Pasta salads have long been a staple in many cultures, especially in Mediterranean and American cuisine. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy pasta in a refreshing, chilled form while incorporating seasonal ingredients. Inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors, this recipe brings together fresh summer produce and a simple yet flavorful dressing to create a dish that is both light and satisfying.
Strawberries are often associated with desserts, but their natural sweetness and acidity make them an excellent ingredient in savory dishes as well. When paired with balsamic vinegar and feta cheese, they create a sophisticated flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Health Benefits of This Salad
Besides being delicious, this pasta salad is also full of health benefits, thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients:
- Strawberries – Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, strawberries help boost immunity and support heart health.
- Feta Cheese – A lower-calorie cheese compared to others, feta provides calcium and healthy fats while adding a creamy texture.
- Walnuts – A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain health and reduce inflammation.
- Arugula & Spinach – Leafy greens that are rich in iron, vitamin K, and folate, supporting bone and heart health.
- Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar – These ingredients contribute to heart health, aid digestion, and add a wonderful depth of flavor to the salad.
Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only satisfying but also supports overall well-being.
How to Serve and Pair This Pasta Salad
This Strawberry Pasta Salad with Feta is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
As a Main Course
Because it includes pasta, protein from cheese and nuts, and fiber from vegetables, this salad can be enjoyed as a light yet filling main dish. You can increase its heartiness by adding a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
As a Side Dish
This salad makes a perfect side dish for BBQs, summer cookouts, or holiday gatherings. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, such as steak, pork chops, or grilled salmon. The fresh, slightly sweet flavors help cut through the richness of heavier meats.
With Bread or Crostini
Serve it with crusty bread or garlic crostini to soak up the dressing and add an extra layer of texture. The combination of crunchy bread with soft pasta and juicy strawberries is simply irresistible.
As a Picnic or Potluck Favorite
This salad is ideal for outdoor gatherings because it tastes great chilled and holds up well for a few hours. You can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for an even more delicious experience.
Customization Ideas for This Salad
One of the best things about this pasta salad is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways you can customize it to fit your taste preferences:
- Make It Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan feta or cashew cheese.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu can make this salad a protein-packed meal.
- Try a Different Cheese: Instead of feta, you can use goat cheese, parmesan shavings, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Change the Greens: If arugula and spinach aren’t your favorites, try using romaine, kale, or mixed spring greens.
- Experiment with Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds can replace walnuts for a different crunch.
- Use Different Fruits: If strawberries aren’t in season, you can swap them for raspberries, blueberries, or even thinly sliced apples or pears.
- Play with the Dressing: Try a citrus-based dressing using lemon juice and honey or a creamy yogurt-based dressing for a different taste.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this salad in advance, here are some storage and meal prep tips to keep it fresh:
- Store in an airtight container: Keep the salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate: If you’re meal-prepping, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Freshen it up: Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick toss and add a little extra dressing to revive the flavors.
- Avoid freezing: Because of the fresh produce and cheese, this salad does not freeze well.
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Pasta Salad with Feta is the ultimate dish for anyone looking for a refreshing, flavorful, and nutritious meal. Its unique combination of sweet and savory elements makes it stand out among traditional pasta salads, while its simple preparation and versatility make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a picnic favorite, or a side dish for a summer BBQ, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own while still enjoying its delicious core flavors.