Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The combination of juicy strawberries, spinach, and chicken creates a light yet satisfying dish. The homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes. The addition of toasted walnuts and feta gives the salad an extra layer of texture and richness. Whether you’re looking for a fresh summer salad or a unique side dish, this pasta salad will definitely stand out.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 8 ounces small pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or bowtie), cooked to package instructions
• 1 cup diced chicken
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

For the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced in half
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey (or more to taste)
• Salt & pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning if necessary, adding more honey or salt to suit your preferences.
2. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: Cook the small pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced strawberries, chopped spinach, diced chicken, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve: If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (for cooking pasta and toasting walnuts)
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add diced avocado to the salad.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or toss some chopped jalapeños into the salad for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds as an alternative.
• Add More Cheese: For extra richness, add shredded mozzarella or goat cheese in place of or in addition to the feta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best eaten fresh, but it can be enjoyed as leftovers for a day or two.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, and reheating is not recommended. Simply refrigerate and enjoy chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just wait to add the balsamic glaze and fresh basil until right before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the small pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle.

How can I make the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette sweeter?

If you like your dressing sweeter, simply add more honey or a tablespoon of maple syrup until it reaches your desired sweetness.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works perfectly for this salad. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make the salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. You can easily find many pasta options that are suitable for gluten-free diets.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add more veggies or beans like chickpeas for protein.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches for a different flavor twist.

Can I prepare the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, you can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake before using.

Can I freeze this salad?

While it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can freeze the dressing separately. Freezing the salad itself is not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the vegetables and pasta.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad makes a great stand-alone dish or pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a fantastic side for any BBQ or picnic.

Conclusion

Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines the best of both sweet and savory. The strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet dressing, while the pasta, chicken, spinach, and feta provide satisfying textures and flavors. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a party favorite, this salad is sure to be a hit. With its vibrant ingredients and delicious balance of flavors, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire!

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