Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad that balances sweet and savory flavors with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, all tossed in a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach, tender leaves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cups small pasta (rotini or penne), cooked and cooled
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain the excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, honey (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, chopped smoked turkey bacon, crumbled plant-based cheese, and cooked pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top. Give the salad one last toss and serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use cold pasta: Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and keep the salad refreshing.
- Toast the bacon: Crispy smoked turkey bacon adds delightful crunch; drain excess oil to avoid sogginess.
- Slice strawberries evenly: Uniform slices ensure every bite has balanced sweetness.
- Dress just before serving: Toss salad with dressing right before eating to keep spinach crisp.
- Customize sweetness: Adjust honey (natural) in the dressing to your preferred level for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method related to baking directly (boiling and frying used)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spinach, strawberry, pasta salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, fresh, healthy, gluten free, summer salad
