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Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

Category: Fresh & Vibrant Salads

Bright strawberries, tender pasta, and diced chicken come together with fresh spinach and toasted walnuts for a satisfying mix of sweet and savory flavors. Feta cheese adds creaminess, while a homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette provides tang. Simply blend strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil for the dressing, then toss with your salad ingredients. This dish is easily customizable, makes for a hearty meal, and leftovers store well. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair and a burst of freshness.

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Last updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 23:29:49 GMT
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des herbes, accompagnée de sauce balsamique. Pin
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des herbes, accompagnée de sauce balsamique. | savorieswithtyla.com

Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad is my go-to when I want a meal that feels fresh but still filling. This is a bright and colorful mix of sweet strawberries, hearty pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy Feta cheese. The strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy sweetness and the whole dish comes together in just about twenty minutes.

I first brought this salad to a July picnic and it disappeared before anything else. Now my friends specifically ask for this recipe at potlucks.

Ingredients

  • Strawberries: Hull and slice a pint for the salad and half a pint for the dressing Choose berries that are deep red and fragrant for best flavor
  • Spinach: Use fresh baby spinach and chop roughly for easier bites Look for crisp leaves with no wilting
  • Small pasta: Like farfalle or rotini cooked al dente so the salad stays light and not mushy
  • Diced chicken: You can use grilled or baked rotisserie chicken for convenience Try to use juicy chicken breast for best texture
  • Toasted walnuts: Give crunch and toasted flavor Toast gently to bring out their aroma
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled for creaminess Choose Feta in brine for tangier taste
  • Salt and pepper: To taste After mixing everything together check seasoning once more
  • Balsamic glaze: Optional but adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish
  • Fresh basil: Optional for garnish Pick leaves that are bright green and fragrant

For the vinaigrette

  • Strawberries: Fresh and ripe for color and sweetness
  • Balsamic vinegar: Go for aged balsamic for a richer taste
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin preferred
  • Honey: Adds balance to the tanginess Use more or less to taste
  • Salt and pepper: To taste Always taste and adjust before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the vinaigrette:
Blend strawberries balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a food processor or blender until completely smooth For the best result let the dressing chill in the fridge to marry the flavors before serving Taste and stir in honey salt and pepper until it tastes bright and balanced
Prep the salad base:
In a large mixing bowl combine sliced strawberries chopped spinach al dente pasta diced chicken toasted walnuts and crumbled Feta Take your time to gently toss so the ingredients stay in nice pieces
Dress and toss:
Pour the strawberry vinaigrette over everything in the bowl Start with half the dressing taste and add more as needed Toss carefully so the salad is evenly coated but not soggy
Garnish and finish:
Scatter fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and freshness Drizzle on some balsamic glaze if using Save extra glaze for serving on the side
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des herbes, garnie de sauce balsamique. Pin
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des herbes, garnie de sauce balsamique. | savorieswithtyla.com

What I love most about this recipe is how the strawberries take on the vinaigrette and turn every noodle slightly pink with flavor. One summer my daughter started picking basil leaves with me from our backyard and now sprinkling fresh basil has become her job every time I make this.

Storage tips

This salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you are making it ahead keep the dressing on the side and toss before serving to keep the spinach crisp. The flavors get even brighter after a day.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have Feta try soft goat cheese or even mozzarella balls. Grilled shrimp is a fun swap for chicken if you want to make it pescatarian. Pecans or almonds can stand in for walnuts.

Serving suggestions

I love setting out this salad at barbecues alongside grilled vegetables or chilled watermelon. It is also satisfying enough for lunch on its own. Top with extra basil and a sprinkle of toasted seeds for more crunch.

Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des baies. Pin
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des baies. | savorieswithtyla.com

Cultural and historical context

Pasta salad is a classic American potluck staple but the addition of strawberries and balsamic reflects Italian summer flavors. Balsamic and strawberries have been paired together in Italian cuisine for generations because the vinegar brings out the berry sweetness.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can be used for this salad.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or leaving out the protein altogether will still yield a tasty result.

→ Should I use fresh or frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for best flavor and texture, especially in the salad itself.

→ Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge up to 3 days.

→ How long does this salad keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2-3 days.

→ Is the balsamic glaze necessary?

Balsamic glaze adds extra tang and sweetness but is optional based on your taste preference.

Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

Strawberries, spinach, pasta, chicken, and feta tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh, zesty meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
20 min
By: Tyla

Category: Salads

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Origin: Contemporary American

Output: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta Salad

01 1 pint (approximately 300 g) strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 2 cups (about 60 g) spinach leaves, roughly chopped
03 225 g small pasta, cooked according to package instructions
04 1 cup (approximately 130 g) cooked chicken breast, diced
05 60 g toasted walnuts
06 115 g crumbled Feta cheese
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
09 Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

→ Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

10 ½ pint (approximately 150 g) strawberries, hulled and halved
11 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
12 120 ml olive oil
13 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey, or more to taste
14 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Combine hulled and halved strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then season with honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Store chilled in a tightly sealed container until needed.

Step 02

Place sliced strawberries, chopped spinach, cooked pasta, crumbled Feta cheese, diced chicken, and toasted walnuts in a large mixing bowl.

Step 03

Pour the prepared strawberry vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to evenly coat.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Required Tools

  • Blender or food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife

Allergen Information

Double-check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (Feta cheese), tree nuts (walnuts), and gluten (pasta).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 476
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 15 g