Strawberry Pasta Salad
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This Strawberry Pasta Salad is a must-make for all your summer gatherings—it’s bright, refreshing, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. Juicy, ripe strawberries mingle perfectly with fresh baby spinach, creating a vibrant base that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
The pasta makes it hearty enough to serve as a light meal or substantial side, and I especially love using mini bowtie pasta—they’re not only adorable but also perfectly sized for little hands, making this salad super family-friendly. If you don’t have the minis, regular bowties work just as well and still hold up beautifully with the other ingredients.
The dressing for this salad is bursting with fresh, tangy-sweet flavor thanks to a base of strawberry jam and bright lemon juice. I especially love using my homemade freezer jam here—it brings a gorgeous ruby-red hue and a vibrant strawberry taste that really shines. To balance out the sweetness, the dressing also includes a splash of vinegar and a drizzle of oil, along with a pinch of salt, a touch of garlic, and a hint of mustard for just the right kick. It’s a simple mix that comes together quickly, but it adds so much depth and brightness to the salad—you’ll want to drizzle it on just about everything.
If I’m making this salad to take along to a gathering, I like to prep it in two stages to keep everything fresh and vibrant. First, I toss the cooked and cooled pasta with the sliced strawberries, green onions, and half of the dressing—this helps the flavors start to mingle without softening the more delicate ingredients. I store that mixture separately and wait until I arrive to add in the spinach, crispy bacon, cheese, and the remaining dressing. A quick toss pulls it all together, and just before serving, I sprinkle the top with sliced almonds for that perfect bit of crunch. It’s bright, hearty, and guaranteed to be a hit—whether you’re off to a picnic in the park, a summer potluck, or a backyard barbecues with friends.
Ingredients for Strawberry Pasta Salad
- BABY SPINACH
- MINI FARFALLE PASTA (BOW TIE PASTA)
- SLICED ALMONDS
- GEEN ONIONS
- BACON
- STRAWBERRIES
- SWISS CHEESE
- STRAWBERRY JAM
- LEMON JUICE
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
- OLIVE OIL
- YELLOW MUSTARD
- GARLIC
- SALT
Instructions for Strawberry Pasta Salad
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions to al dente. I love using mini bowtie pasta for this recipe—they’re perfectly bite-sized and especially great for little ones. Once the pasta is tender, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and lowers the temperature, preventing the spinach from wilting later on.
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with fresh baby spinach, sliced green onions, crispy cooked bacon, juicy strawberries, and shredded cheese. It’s already looking colorful and full of texture!
Right before serving, whisk together the ingredients for the strawberry vinaigrette. Pour over the salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated. Top with sliced almonds for a little extra crunch, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! For the freshest texture, toss the cooked pasta, strawberries, and green onions with half the dressing and refrigerate. Just before serving, add the spinach, bacon, cheese, remaining dressing, and almonds for best results.
What kind of pasta works best?
Mini bowtie pasta is great because it’s small and holds the dressing well, especially for kids. However, regular bowtie (farfalle), rotini, or even shells can work beautifully too.
Can I use store-bought dressing instead?
While homemade dressing brings out the best flavor, a store-bought strawberry vinaigrette or a raspberry vinaigrette could be a great shortcut in a pinch.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’d like to swap the Swiss for mozzarella or Monterey Jack, try feta cheese for a tangy pop, goat cheese for creaminess, or even Parmesan for a salty, savory edge.
What protein can I add to make it a full meal?
Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even sliced grilled steak would pair perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors in the salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. Keep in mind that the spinach may wilt slightly, so you can leave it out initially and stir it in just before eating.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Strawberry Pasta Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz baby spinach
- 16 oz pkg mini bowtie pasta (farfalle) or regular bowtie pasta
- ¼ cup almonds slivered
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ¾ cup bacon (about 5-6 slices) chopped
- 1 ½ cups strawberries sliced
- ¾ cup Swiss cheese diced
Strawberry Dressing
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water so it cools down.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cooked and cooled pasta, green onions, bacon, strawberries, and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until combined. Serve right away. Serves 8 as a main dish or 12 as a side dish.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Chelsea McPherson.
