Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

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There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and tender pasta tossed in a refreshing poppy seed dressing. This Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad is a perfect mix of textures and flavors that’ll make it an instant favorite for your next gathering or meal prep. It’s light, refreshing, and full of vibrant colors, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

This recipe pairs sweet, juicy strawberries with creamy feta, buttery avocados, and crunchy almonds, all brought together with a tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s the kind of dish that can easily steal the show at any potluck or picnic, yet simple enough to whip up in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

• Fresh and flavorful: The sweet strawberries paired with the savory feta and crunchy almonds create an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Creamy dressing: The homemade poppy seed dressing adds a smooth and tangy element that perfectly complements the freshness of the salad.
• Versatile: Great for any occasion—whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a side dish for a barbecue, or simply craving something light but satisfying.
• Easy to make ahead: The flavors meld beautifully as the salad sits, making it even tastier the next day!

Ready to make this delicious pasta salad your new go-to? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

To create this flavorful Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes this dish truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• Greek Yogurt: 2/3 cup (160g) – Adds creaminess and tanginess to the dressing while keeping it light.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60ml) – Provides a zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and honey.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) – A rich, smooth oil that binds the ingredients of the dressing together.
• Honey: 1/4 cup (85g) – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the strawberries and balance the tangy flavors.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
• Ground Dry Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard) – Adds a subtle bite and tang to the dressing.
• Poppy Seeds: 1 tablespoon – Gives a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

For the Pasta Salad:

• Pasta: 1 pound (elbow, bow tie, rotini, etc.) – Any short pasta will work. Its shape catches all the delicious dressing and toppings.
• Romaine Lettuce: 5 cups, chopped – Adds a crisp, refreshing texture to the salad.
• Strawberries: 1–1.5 lbs, sliced – Sweet, juicy strawberries are the star of this pasta salad, adding vibrant color and flavor.
• Avocados: 2, diced – Provides creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor that balances the tartness of the dressing and strawberries.
• Feta Cheese: 3/4 cup, crumbled – The salty, tangy flavor of feta complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the avocado.
• Almonds: 3/4 cup (85g), slivered or sliced – Adds a satisfying crunch and a slightly nutty taste to the salad.

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How to Make Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

This salad comes together easily in just a few steps. It’s a great dish for meal prep or to bring to a summer gathering because the flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge. Here’s how you can make it:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta is done, drain it and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it stay firm and prevent the other ingredients from wilting when mixed together.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta is cooling, whisk together all the poppy seed dressing ingredients—Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, ground mustard, and poppy seeds. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, diced avocados, crumbled feta cheese, and slivered almonds. Stir gently to avoid mashing the avocado or breaking up the strawberries too much.
4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated. Be sure every bite gets a bit of that creamy, tangy goodness!
5. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully the longer the salad sits, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Add a little extra feta or almonds on top before serving for added flavor and crunch.

How Long to Refrigerate the Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad is that it gets even better with time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Here’s what you need to know about chilling the salad and how to store it for optimal flavor and freshness:

Refrigeration Time:

• For Immediate Enjoyment: You can serve this salad right after preparing it, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the dressing to absorb into the pasta and the other ingredients to fully marinate.
• Best Flavor: While it’s delicious on the same day, the pasta salad tastes even better on day 2 or 3. The ingredients, especially the strawberries and feta, soak up the tangy, creamy dressing, making every bite more flavorful.

How to Store Leftovers:

This pasta salad is perfect for meal prepping because it stays fresh for several days. Here’s how to store it properly:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Be sure to stir it well before serving, as the dressing might settle at the bottom.
• In the Freezer: Although pasta salads are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta (without the avocado) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh avocados before serving. The avocado tends to brown when frozen, so it’s best added just before eating.

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Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad

To make sure your salad is perfect every time, here are a few simple tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your strawberries, avocados, and lettuce, the more vibrant and flavorful your salad will be. Opt for ripe strawberries and creamy avocados for the best texture.
• Cool the Pasta: Make sure your pasta cools slightly before adding the other ingredients. Hot pasta can wilt the lettuce and melt the cheese, which will affect the overall texture of the salad.
• Toss Gently: Be gentle when mixing the salad, especially after adding the avocado, to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of honey or use Greek yogurt as a base for a healthier version.

This salad is ideal for making ahead, and it gets tastier as it sits, so it’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner!

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