This Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad is vibrant, delicious, and ideal for spring and summer! Crafted with succulent strawberries, soft pasta, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy cucumbers all mixed in a mildly sweet balsamic dressing.
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If you’re in search of a pasta salad that stands out, this Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad is the answer. A perfect blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy! Filled with juicy strawberries, tender pasta, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and crisp cucumbers all mixed in a sweet balsamic dressing. Each bite is fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor!
Why You’ll Adore This
- Fresh and flavorful – the blend of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic dressing creates a flavor that’s bright, balanced, and utterly irresistible!
- Quick and easy – this entire pasta salad comes together in approximately 15 minutes, making it ideal for hectic days when you want something fresh and satisfying.
- Lightened-up – unlike traditional pasta salads, this one forgoes the heavy, mayonnaise-based dressing and opts for a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette which truly allows the ingredients to shine.
- Customizable – you can easily tailor this to your preferences, whether adjusting it based on what you have available or your dietary needs.
Ingredients Required
- strawberries – the standout component of this dish! Sweet, juicy, and perfect for the balsamic dressing.
- pasta – I used fusilli noodles for this recipe, but you can opt for any corkscrew pasta such as cavatappi or rotini. The twists in the pasta hold onto the dressing beautifully! You could also choose farfalle, penne pasta, or a gluten-free alternative.
- arugula – boosts the nutritional value of this pasta salad and counterbalances the sweetness of the strawberries. I used fresh arugula, but baby spinach or other lettuce types work as well.
- cucumbers – I included 3 mini cucumbers which provide a refreshing, crisp element to this pasta salad along with great texture.
- mozzarella pearls – the perfect bite-sized addition to this salad that contributes creaminess and flavor.
- almonds – for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting enhances their richness, so don’t skip this step! Walnuts are also an excellent alternative.
- shallot – adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor to this pasta salad without overwhelming it.
- fresh basil – vibrant herbs add a pop of color and pair seamlessly with the balsamic dressing. I used basil leaves, but fresh mint would also work beautifully!
- balsamic dressing – a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Steps to Prepare Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
- Toast the almonds. In a small skillet set over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds for 2 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well-mixed.
- Combine the salad. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the strawberries, arugula, mozzarella pearls, sliced shallot, cucumbers, toasted almonds, and fresh basil.
- Mix and serve. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips for the Ultimate Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad
- Generously salt the pasta water – this is crucial to adding flavor to the pasta salad; don’t skip this step!
- Cook pasta just until al dente – overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Cool the pasta completely – warm pasta can cause the greens to wilt and make everything soggy. I prefer to run it under cold water after draining.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries – the sweeter they are, the better the overall flavor of the salad.
- Do not skip toasting the almonds – the toasted almonds add significant flavor and crunch to this pasta salad.
- Add delicate ingredients last – gently toss the pasta salad to keep the strawberries and mozzarella intact.
- Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving – this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken for added protein.
- Substitute mozzarella with creamy goat cheese or feta cheese.
- Incorporate quinoa or farro for a more substantial salad.
- Use this poppy seed dressing or a maple balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
- Add spinach or other leafy greens in place of arugula.
- Include avocado slices for creaminess.
Prepping and Storage
- To Prep – you can conveniently cook the pasta and prepare the dressing in advance. Additionally, chop all ingredients and store separately until ready to combine.
- To Store – leftovers will keep in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of marinating!
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I hope you all love this Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad! If you enjoy this recipe as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!
For the Balsamic Dressing:
Cook the pasta. Begin by cooking the pasta per the package directions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cease cooking and cool the pasta.
Toast the almonds. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the slivered almonds for 2 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar with a secure lid, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Combine the salad. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the strawberries, arugula, mozzarella pearls, sliced shallot, cucumbers, toasted almonds, and fresh basil.
Toss and serve. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and gently mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or chill prior to serving.
Serving: 1/8th of recipe | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.3g | Protein: 9.5g | Fat: 17.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.6g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 162.9mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 9g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**Title: A Refreshing Twist: Pasta Salad with Strawberries and Balsamic Dressing**
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinners. One of the most delightful variations is the pasta salad with strawberries and balsamic dressing. This unique combination brings together the savory and sweet, creating a refreshing and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
**Ingredients and Preparation**
To create this delicious pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as bowtie or fusilli)
– 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the balsamic dressing:
– 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity according to your preference.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, chopped basil, and sliced red onion.
4. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the balsamic dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
5. **Season and Serve:** Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
**Nutritional Benefits**
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health and reduce inflammation. The feta cheese adds a dose of calcium and protein, while the pine nuts provide healthy fats and essential minerals. The balsamic dressing, with its olive oil base, offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
**Serving Suggestions**
Pasta salad with strawberries and balsamic dressing can be served as a standalone dish or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light rosé, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings.
**Conclusion**
Pasta salad with strawberries and balsamic dressing is a delightful dish that combines the best of sweet and savory flavors. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors make it a visually appealing and tasty addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.
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