Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, the appeal of summer salads becomes irresistible. Packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients, these salads not only offer a refreshing escape from the heat but also provide a plethora of health benefits. Among the myriad of salad options, the Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad stands out as a colorful, nutritious dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of summer. This delightful salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the earthy flavor of spinach and the heartiness of whole wheat pasta, making it an ideal choice for a light meal or a side dish at your next summer gathering.

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, this vibrant salad combines fresh strawberries, nutrient-rich spinach, and whole wheat pasta for a delicious meal or side. Toss in creamy feta cheese and crunchy walnuts for extra texture, and drizzle with a light dressing for that refreshing finish. Easy to make and highly customizable, this salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch any day! Enjoy the joys of fresh, wholesome ingredients as you create a dish that's both delightful and healthful.

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Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta (spiral or farfalle)

2 cups fresh baby spinach, torn

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup walnuts, chopped (or any nuts of your choice)

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

½ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Strawberries and Spinach: While the pasta cools, wash and prepare the fresh strawberries and baby spinach. Halve the strawberries and tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces if necessary.

Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Start with half the dressing, toss, and adjust to taste as needed. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well-combined, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top of the salad for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy: This vibrant salad can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own!

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