Imagine a summer dish that breaks all the rules and surprises your taste buds in the most delightful way possible! This Strawberry Poppyseed Pasta Salad is not your ordinary side dish - it's a culinary adventure that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one incredibly refreshing recipe. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this vibrant salad will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup poppyseed dressing
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of rotini pasta, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of poppyseed dressing, 1/4 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your other ingredients. Wash and slice the strawberries, chop the green onions, and measure out the sliced almonds and feta cheese.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, sliced strawberries, chopped green onions, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the 1/2 cup of poppyseed dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more poppyseed dressing, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Once combined, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy your Strawberry Poppyseed Pasta Salad!
Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries at the peak of their sweetness.
- Rinse your pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
- If you're preparing this in advance, add the almonds just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- Use high-quality poppyseed dressing for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
