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Strawberry Fields Pasta Salad Bursting with Summer Flavors

A refreshing Strawberry Fields Pasta Salad bursting with summer flavors, perfect for picnics and barbecues.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Bow Tie Pasta Substituting with rotini gives similar texture.
For the Salad
  • 2 cups Strawberries Blueberries work in a pinch.
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Arugula gives a peppery twist.
  • 1 cup Red Grapes Feel free to swap for green grapes.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Slice thinly to reduce pungency.
  • 1 cup Mandarin Oranges Canned, drained options save time.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Goat cheese makes a great substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Poppy Seed Dressing Bitten Lemon flavor enhances the salad.
For the Crunch
  • 1/2 cup Pecans Walnuts or slivered almonds can replace them.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberries, red grapes, thinly sliced red onion, baby spinach, and drained mandarin oranges. Toss lightly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  3. Add the cooled bow tie pasta to the bowl. Gently fold together, being careful not to mash the strawberries.
  4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans over the mixture. Toss again to distribute evenly.
  5. Drizzle poppy seed dressing over the combined ingredients, coating everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure to rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness. Chilling the salad develops flavors, making it tastier the next day.