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Colorful Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Mix

Section: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

Sweet strawberries and small pasta get mixed up with chopped chicken, crisp spinach, and crunchy walnuts for a meal that balances savory and sweet. Crumble in creamy feta and whip up your own strawberry vinaigrette by blending berries, olive oil, and balsamic. Dress everything and toss it all together. You can easily tweak the mix and leftovers are great the next day. For a burst of flavor and a pretty touch, scatter on basil and give it a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 23:52:18 GMT
Pasta salad tossed with strawberries, mixed greens, and a splash of balsamic dressing. Bookmark
Pasta salad tossed with strawberries, mixed greens, and a splash of balsamic dressing. | ioanacooks.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. Bookmark
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des herbes, garnie de sauce balsamique. | ioanacooks.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.

Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des baies. Bookmark
Une salade de pasta avec des fraises et des baies. | ioanacooks.com

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Could I swap the pasta type?

Absolutely, use whatever bite-sized pasta you like—farfalle, penne, or even fusilli work just fine.

→ What's a good chicken alternative?

You can go with chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even just leave the chicken out—you’ll still get tons of flavor.

→ Are frozen strawberries okay to use?

Stick with fresh if you can—they taste the brightest and hold up best in this dish.

→ Is it alright to prep the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yep, make your balsamic strawberry dressing a few days early and stash it in the fridge for up to three days.

→ How long does everything stay good in the fridge?

Keep any leftovers sealed in the fridge. They'll be tasty for two or three days.

→ Do I have to use balsamic glaze?

It’s up to you. Balsamic glaze brings a sweet-tangy kick, but you can skip it if you want.

Strawberry Chicken Feta

Chicken, strawberries, spinach, feta, and pasta get tossed together in a zippy balsamic dressing, making a crisp, bright dish.

Time Needed to Prep
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Salads

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Contemporary American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Pasta Salad

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

→ Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Blend hulled and halved strawberries with balsamic vinegar and olive oil until completely smooth. Season with honey, salt, and pepper to create a bright, balanced dressing. Refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to use.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Pour the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over the assembled ingredients, starting with half. Gently toss to evenly coat, then add more dressing as preferred. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 04

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

Extra Tips

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (Feta cheese), tree nuts (walnuts), and gluten (pasta).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 476
  • Total Fat: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 43 grams
  • Protein Amount: 15 grams