The best balsamic strawberry pasta salad recipe with fresh strawberries, spinach, feta, and a sweet-tangy dressing. With step-by-step instructions!
The best balsamic strawberry pasta salad recipe is the one that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait—what’s in this?!” This isn’t your average backyard bowl of mayo and macaroni. Nope. This is a vibrant, summer-kissed, sweet-savory stunner that’s just as perfect on a warm evening dinner table as it is packed in a cooler for the beach. Let’s make this together—step by step—and bring a little gourmet magic to your salad game.
Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or bow tie, fusilli—something that grabs dressing)
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional but recommended)
For the Balsamic Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup if you prefer)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions — Step by Step
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Set aside in a large salad bowl.
2. Make the Balsamic Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly until fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more salt or honey if needed.
3. Prep the Fresh Ingredients
- While the pasta cools, slice the strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion.
- Tear the spinach and basil leaves.
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant (if using).
4. Assemble the Salad
In the large bowl with cooled pasta, add:
- Sliced strawberries
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Basil
- Feta cheese
- Nuts (optional)
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is coated.
5. Chill or Serve
- You can serve this immediately or cover and chill for 30–60 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Just before serving, give it one last toss and add a little extra drizzle of balsamic if desired.
Optional Add-Ins
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal
- Avocado chunks (add right before serving)
- Arugula instead of spinach for a peppery bite
- Goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier finish
Why This Works
This Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe hits every note—sweet, tangy, salty, creamy, crunchy. The balsamic plays off the strawberries like a dream, and the feta brings in a subtle sharpness that ties it all together. The pasta makes it hearty enough to satisfy, but it never feels heavy—perfect for hot days when you want something that tastes fresh and still fills you up.
Once you’ve made this once, it’ll become your signature summer dish. The best balsamic strawberry pasta salad recipe is the kind that looks fancy, tastes gourmet, and takes less than 30 minutes from pot to plate. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing in-laws, or just trying to shake up your salad routine—this one never fails.
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