Spinach Strawberry Pasta Salad

Last spring my neighbor brought over a basket of strawberries from her garden and insisted I try them with pasta. I thought she was joking until that first bite of sweet fruit against tender noodles and tangy dressing. Now it is the salad I make when I need something that feels like sunshine on a plate.

I served this at my first proper dinner party back in April and watched my friends hover around the bowl picking out all the strawberry slices first. The poppy seed dressing caught in the almonds just right and nobody could stop talking about how something this simple tasted so fancy.

Ingredients

• Bow-tie pasta: The little folds hold onto the dressing perfectly and catch strawberry pieces as you toss
• Baby spinach: Use the tender stuff not the tough mature leaves or it will overpower the delicate sweetness
• Fresh strawberries: Pick ones that are deep red all the way through not white at the core
• Toasted almonds: Toast them yourself in a dry pan until you can smell them about 3 minutes
• Feta cheese: The salty crumble is optional but it creates this perfect contrast with the sweet berries
• Fresh basil: Slice it thin so the flavor distributes evenly instead of hitting you in big chunks
• Olive oil: Use a mild one not the peppery stuff or it will fight with the strawberries
• Apple cider vinegar: This gives just enough tang without being harsh like white vinegar
• Honey: Helps mellow the vinegar and brings out the strawberries natural sweetness
• Dijon mustard: Just a tiny bit helps the dressing cling to every piece of pasta
• Poppy seeds: They add this gentle crunch and look beautiful scattered throughout
• Salt and black pepper: Freshly ground pepper makes a huge difference here

Instructions

Cool your pasta completely:

Rinse it under cold water until it feels cool to the touch and spread it on a baking sheet for 10 minutes so it does not clump together

Make the dressing first:

Whisk everything in a small jar and let it sit while you prep the other ingredients so the flavors can marry

Slice your strawberries thin:

Cut them about a quarter inch thick so they distribute evenly throughout the salad instead of sinking to the bottom

Toast the almonds right before assembling:

Watch them carefully because they go from perfectly golden to burnt in about 30 seconds

Combine everything gently:

Add the dressing first and toss the pasta and spinach before folding in the delicate strawberries so they do not get crushed

Pin

This became my go-to for potlucks after I watched three generations of my family pass around the bowl at a Memorial Day picnic. Even the cousin who hates salad went back for seconds.

Make It Yours

Swap the almonds for walnuts in the fall or add grilled chicken when you need it to be a main dish. I have even used peaches when strawberries are not in season and it is still wonderful.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is gorgeous on a white platter with extra strawberries scattered on top. I like to serve it with crusty bread to soak up any dressing that pools at the bottom of the bowl.

Storage Tips

The leftovers actually keep pretty well for lunch the next day though the strawberries will soften. Store it in a glass container and give it a good toss before serving.

• Do not freeze this salad
• Add fresh basil right before serving not the night before
• The dressing keeps for a week in the fridge if you have extra

Pin

There is something about that first bite of sweet strawberry and salty feta that just feels like spring on a fork. I hope it becomes a favorite in your house too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and toss with fresh spinach and strawberries just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

→ What other pasta shapes work well?

Farfalle is ideal for holding dressing, but rotini, penne, or fusilli also work beautifully. The key is choosing shapes with nooks and crannies that capture the poppy seed dressing and small ingredients like sliced almonds.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water immediately after draining to remove excess starch. Toss with a small amount of olive oil before cooling completely. This prevents clumping and ensures each piece stays separate for the salad.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries?

Fresh strawberries provide sweetness and color, but you can substitute with sliced fresh peaches, blueberries, or raspberries during different seasons. Adjust the honey in the dressing based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

→ How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

Best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. The pasta and dressing hold up well, but the spinach may wilt slightly. For best results, add fresh spinach just before serving leftovers.

→ What protein additions work well?

Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or chickpeas complement the flavors beautifully. For vegetarians, adding more feta cheese or toasted nuts boosts protein. The dish works as a light main or substantial side depending on additions.