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- 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup ripe strawberries - 1/2 cup feta cheese - 1/4 cup red onion - 1/4 cup pecans - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly ground black pepper Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each one adds flavor and texture to the salad. The fusilli pasta gives a nice twist, and the fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color. Ripe strawberries bring sweetness, while feta cheese adds a creamy element. The red onion gives a slight bite, and pecans add crunch. Using extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar creates a perfect dressing. Honey balances the flavors, making each bite a delight. Make sure to wash the spinach well. Slice the strawberries just before mixing for freshness. You can toast the pecans for extra flavor, but it’s not necessary. The key is to have everything ready to mix for a quick and easy salad. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, add 8 oz. of fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold running water. This cools the pasta and stops the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, toss in 4 cups of chopped spinach. Next, add 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese. Add 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion. Finally, add 1/4 cup of toasted pecans. Gently fold these ingredients together. Be careful not to mash the strawberries. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Next, add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use a large spoon to gently toss the salad. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. After mixing, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey to fit your taste. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This short break helps the flavors blend well. The resting time enhances the taste, making each bite more enjoyable. To enhance the flavor of your salad, focus on seasoning. You can add more salt or pepper as needed. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in more honey. For a tangier kick, try adding a bit more balsamic vinegar. Each adjustment can make a big difference. Taste your salad after each change. This helps you find the perfect balance of flavors. For an appealing serve, use a large, shallow bowl. This lets the colors pop. Garnish the top with extra strawberry slices and crumbled feta. This adds a burst of color and texture. You can also place whole strawberries around the bowl. This creates a fun and artistic look. A sprig of mint on top can add a fresh touch. You can prep parts of this salad ahead of time. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Wash and chop the spinach and store it separately. Slice the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh. Mix the dressing in advance and keep it in a jar. This way, you can enjoy a quick assembly when you're ready to eat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe strawberries to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture. Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; just add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh. Elevate with Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or mint can bring a delightful twist to the salad's flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily change some ingredients in this salad. If you don’t have strawberries, try using blueberries or raspberries. These berries add a sweet and tangy touch. For cheese, goat cheese works well too. It has a creamy texture and pairs nicely with the greens. If you want nuts, walnuts or almonds are great choices. They add crunch and flavor. While the balsamic dressing is delicious, you can try other dressings. A simple lemon vinaigrette brings a bright taste. You can mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Another option is a honey mustard dressing. Just whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar. These dressings keep the salad fresh and tasty. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. It also goes well with sandwiches or wraps. For a light lunch, enjoy it with a side of soup. The salad’s bright flavors and colors make any table pop. To keep your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to prevent air from getting in. Place it in the fridge as soon as you finish eating. This keeps the flavors bright and the ingredients crisp. The pasta salad stays fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may start to wilt, and the flavors can fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. You usually do not need to reheat this salad. It tastes best cold. If you want to warm it up, do so gently in a pan over low heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the spinach soggy. Enjoy your salad at a nice, cool temperature! You can use quinoa or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free twist. Both options add great texture and flavor. Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are another fun choice. They are light and fresh, perfect for summer days. Just spiralize the zucchini and use it raw in the salad. Yes, this salad works well for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend and taste better over time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the salad crisp and fresh. Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken for heartiness. Shrimp adds a nice touch of seafood flavor. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook the protein beforehand. Then, toss it in with the salad for a filling meal. This recipe serves four. It is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. If you need more, simply double the recipe. This salad is easy to scale up for parties or get-togethers. This salad recipe combines fresh ingredients like spinach and strawberries with a tasty dressing. Cooking the fusilli pasta and mixing everything together is simple. You can adjust the flavors to your liking and even make it ahead of time. There are many ways to change the ingredients or dressings to match your taste. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy the bright flavors and endless options this salad offers!

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad, the perfect healthy summer salad! This easy pasta salad with feta combines fusilli pasta, fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful blend of flavors. Ideal for picnics or cookouts, it's quick to prepare and sure to impress. Try this fusilli pasta salad recipe today and elevate your summer dining! Save this recipe and share the joy. #PastaSalad #HealthyEating #SummerRecipes #FetaCheese
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. fusilli pasta

4 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped

1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled fusilli pasta along with the chopped spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, finely sliced red onion, and toasted pecans. Gently fold these ingredients together until they are well combined.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.

        Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad, then use a large spoon to gently toss the salad, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

          After mixing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your personal taste preferences.

            Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors to blend beautifully.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing serve, present the salad in a large, shallow bowl. Garnish the top with additional slices of strawberries and a sprinkling of crumbled feta for a burst of color and texture. To elevate the presentation further, you can place a few whole strawberries around the bowl for an artistic touch.