Strawberry Poppy Seed Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Pasta salad with sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, pecans, spinach, and tangy vinaigrette.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 oz (225 g) small pasta shells or farfalle
→ Salad
02 - 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
04 - 1/2 cup (60 g) goat cheese or feta, crumbled
05 - 1/3 cup (35 g) pecans or almonds, roughly chopped and toasted
→ Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
06 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tbsp honey
09 - 1 tsp poppy seeds
10 - 1/2 tsp lemon zest
11 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
03 - In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, strawberries, and toasted pecans.
04 - Drizzle with the poppy seed vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
05 - Crumble goat cheese (or feta) over the salad and toss lightly once more, just to distribute.
06 - Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. If making ahead, add strawberries and cheese just before serving for best texture.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses everyday pantry pasta and easy produce
- Comes together in just half an hour
- Perfect for meal prep or bringing to a gathering
- Crowd favorite with sweet and savory flavors
02 -
- Vegetarian friendly and easy to make vegan
- Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature
- Rich in vitamins and a good protein boost with cheese and nuts
03 -
- Reserve a small handful of cheese and nuts to sprinkle on top at the end for extra texture and eye appeal
- Always toast your nuts just before assembling the salad for the most flavor
- Do not overcook the pasta it is best with a little bite so the salad does not go soft as it sits