Spring Spinach Strawberry Pasta Salad

The first time I brought this pasta salad to a friend's Memorial Day picnic, someone actually asked if I'd catered it. The bright green spinach against those ruby red strawberries makes people stop in their tracks, and that homemade poppy seed dressing keeps them coming back for seconds.

Last summer my neighbor made three batches for her daughter's graduation party because it disappeared so quickly. She ended up writing the recipe on napkins for at least five different moms who wouldn't leave until they had it.

Ingredients

• Bow-tie pasta: Those little cups grab onto every bit of dressing and juicy strawberry bits
• Baby spinach: Use the tenderest leaves you can find, nothing tough or wilted
• Fresh strawberries: Pick ones that are deep red and smell absolutely fragrant
• Toasted almonds: Toasting them yourself takes three minutes and makes such a difference
• Feta cheese: The salty creaminess balances all that sweet fruit perfectly
• Fresh basil: Don't skip this, it adds this amazing herbal brightness
• Olive oil: Use something decent since it's the base of your dressing
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives just the right amount of tangy bite
• Honey: Local honey if you can find it, it adds the best floral sweetness
• Dijon mustard: The secret that emulsifies everything beautifully
• Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add the most delightful little crunch

Instructions

Get that pasta going:

Boil your bow-ties until they're perfectly al dente, then rinse them under cold water until they're completely cool to the touch.

Whisk up the magic:

Combine the olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until it's thick and creamy.

Bring it all together:

Toss the cooled pasta with spinach, strawberries, and toasted almonds in your biggest salad bowl.

Dress it up:

Drizzle that poppy seed dressing over everything and fold it in gently so you don't bruise the strawberries.

Finish with flair:

Sprinkle the feta and basil on top right before serving so they stay pretty and fresh.

Save

My mom started making this for Easter brunch years ago, and now it wouldn't be spring without it on the table. Something about those fresh strawberries just says the cold weather is finally over.

Make It Your Own

Swap in walnuts or pecans if almonds aren't your thing, or try goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier tang. Sometimes I throw in some diced cucumber when it's really hot outside.

Perfect Pairings

This shines alongside grilled salmon or lemon herb chicken, but honestly, I've eaten it for lunch with nothing else and felt completely satisfied. A crisp white wine doesn't hurt either.

Serving Smart

Keep the dressing on the side if you're taking this somewhere, then toss it right before eating so everything stays fresh and perky. And maybe bring the recipe along, trust me.

• Chill your serving bowl for 10 minutes first to keep everything extra refreshing
• Save a few whole strawberries for garnish on top
• The leftovers actually make an amazing lunch the next day

Save

Hope this bright salad brings some sunshine to your table like it has to ours all these years.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and toss with fresh spinach and strawberries just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

→ What other fruits work well in this salad?

Sliced apples, pears, or fresh blueberries make excellent alternatives to strawberries. Adjust the honey in the dressing based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta until al dente, rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking, and drain thoroughly. Tossing with a small amount of olive oil before mixing with other ingredients also helps prevent sticking.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well as alternatives to bow-tie pasta. Short pasta shapes with nooks and crannies hold the dressing beautifully and provide pleasant texture in every bite.

→ How long does the dressing stay fresh?

The poppy seed dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good whisk before using as the ingredients may separate slightly when stored.