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Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, fresh baby spinach, sweet strawberries, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese into a vibrant and refreshing dish. Perfect for any season, this wholesome salad offers a balanced mix of flavors and colors, ideal as a side or a main course for picnics, weeknight dinners, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Greens

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried

Fresh Produce

  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Protein and Cheese

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled or cubed

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey (natural)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the pasta cools, wash and dry the baby spinach thoroughly. Core and slice the strawberries evenly. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh basil finely.
  3. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Fry the smoked turkey bacon strips in a pan until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, honey (natural), and Dijon mustard (natural) until emulsified and smooth. Adjust to taste.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, baby spinach, strawberries, cooked bacon, red onions, plant-based cheese, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat each ingredient evenly.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to penetrate the ingredients.

Notes

  • Always use fresh, ripe strawberries to avoid sogginess.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best.
  • Dry spinach and greens thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.
  • Make the dressing ahead of time to intensify flavors.
  • Toss gently to keep strawberries intact.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling, Pan Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: spinach strawberry pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, fresh fruit pasta salad, turkey bacon salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad

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