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Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish combining fresh baby spinach, sweet ripe strawberries, tender short pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Enhanced with a light apple cider vinegar dressing and garnished with fresh basil and toasted almonds, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a crowd-pleasing meal, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
  • 2 cups cooked short pasta (penne or rotini), cooled
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled plant-based feta-style cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook 2 cups of your chosen short pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely to prevent mushiness and prepare the salad base.
  2. Prepare the Turkey Bacon and Strawberries: While the pasta cooks, crisp 6 slices of smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Wash and thinly slice 1 cup of fresh strawberries for even distribution of sweetness throughout the salad.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural), 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural), 1 teaspoon honey (natural), salt, and black pepper to create a light, tangy dressing that brightens the salad flavors.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with 4 cups baby spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped turkey bacon, 1/2 cup crumbled plant-based feta-style cheese, and 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is evenly coated. Finish with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil for an herbal freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh baby spinach and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy pasta and keep the salad crisp.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Toast and add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
  • Slice strawberries evenly for uniform sweetness in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spinach salad, strawberry pasta salad, plant-based cheese, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/spinach-and-strawberry-pasta-salad/