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To make a tasty Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, you need: - 8 oz fusilli pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette - Salt and pepper to taste Fresh strawberries should be bright red with no white spots. Look for firm berries. Soft or mushy spots mean they may be overripe. Check for green caps, as fresh strawberries have bright green leaves. Smell them too; good strawberries smell sweet and fragrant. If you can, buy them from local farmers. They often taste better than store-bought ones. You can swap fusilli pasta for penne or rotini if you like. If you want a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seeds instead of walnuts. For a creamy twist, try goat cheese instead of feta. If balsamic vinaigrette is not your style, a honey mustard dressing works well too. Get creative and find what you like best! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, add 8 oz of fusilli pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced Mix all these ingredients well. The bright colors will make you excited to eat! Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the salad mixture. Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette over everything. Gently toss the salad. Make sure each piece is coated well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates. Enjoy your fresh and tasty strawberry spinach pasta salad! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To cook pasta well, start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps to flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add your fusilli pasta and stir it right away. Cook it until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. You can boost the taste of your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with extra ingredients. Try adding grilled chicken for protein. It adds a nice touch and makes it filling. You can also use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can brighten the dish. For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. Each of these options brings new flavors to your salad. Serving your salad well makes it more appealing. Use a large salad bowl to show off the colorful ingredients. For a nice touch, add extra strawberry slices on top. A sprinkle of feta cheese can make it look gourmet. You can also garnish with a few walnuts for crunch. Serve it right after mixing, so it stays fresh and vibrant. Enjoy the beautiful display as much as the taste! {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to make this salad more filling. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It pairs well with the strawberries and spinach. You could also use shrimp for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or roasted tofu. These additions boost protein and flavor in the dish. While balsamic vinaigrette works well, you can switch it up. Try a honey mustard dressing for sweetness. A citrus vinaigrette adds a fresh zing. You could even use a creamy poppy seed dressing for a rich taste. Each dressing gives the salad a different vibe, so feel free to explore. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on what's in season. In summer, use fresh peaches instead of strawberries. In fall, roasted butternut squash can add a sweet touch. You can also mix in other greens like arugula or kale. These changes keep the salad exciting and flavorful throughout the year. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and flavors in. If possible, separate the dressing from the salad until you are ready to eat. This prevents sogginess and keeps the salad crisp. When stored properly, your salad can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt, and the flavors can fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended. The texture of the spinach and strawberries will not hold up well when thawed. If you want to make a big batch, consider freezing the pasta alone. You can then mix it with fresh ingredients later. For the best taste, always use fresh strawberries and spinach. For the full recipe, check the full recipe section above. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I suggest preparing it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. However, I would wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess. If you don’t have feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add creaminess and flavor. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Each choice will change the taste a bit but can still work well in the salad. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for easy lunches. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can enjoy this salad for up to three days in the fridge. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. In this blog post, we explored key ingredients for a delicious pasta salad. You learned how to select fresh strawberries and consider alternatives. The step-by-step guide showed you how to cook pasta and prepare the salad mix. We shared tips for perfect pasta and flavor enhancement. Variations added proteins and dressings to suit your taste. Finally, we covered storage tips for leftovers and meal prep options. This salad is easy to make and enjoyable to share. Try it today!

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish? Try this delicious Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion! Made with fusilli pasta, fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted walnuts, this salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it's a must-try recipe! Click through for the full recipe and elevate your summer salads today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion.

      Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

        Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.

          Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

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

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large salad bowl or individual plates, garnished with additional strawberry slices and a sprinkle of feta on top for a beautiful effect.