This Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and fresh spinach tossed with pasta. It’s both colorful and tasty!
You can serve it cold, making it perfect for warm days or picnics. Plus, who wouldn’t want a salad that feels like a treat? I often whip this up for friends, and they always ask for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists grab onto the dressing and flavors well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli or penne works fine.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach gives a nice crunch and freshness. If you’re not a fan, you could use arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken brings protein to the salad. Feel free to swap it for turkey, or even use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
Strawberries: These add sweetness and brightness. In off-seasons, you can use blueberries or raspberries for a similar effect.
Walnuts: They add a nice crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t like walnuts, try using almonds or leave them out entirely.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan feta or skip it altogether.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: This dressing complements the ingredients well. If you can’t find it, try a lemon vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and vinegar mix.
How Do I Prepare and Toss the Salad Without Making a Mess?
Mixing a salad can seem tricky, but it’s easier with a few simple steps. The goal is to combine ingredients gently to avoid bruising the spinach or breaking the pasta.
- Start with a large mixing bowl so you have space to toss.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, strawberries, and walnuts first.
- Use your hands or two large utensils to lift and turn the ingredients gently. This keeps everything intact.
- Once everything is mixed, add the dressing and toss carefully again to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the feta on top and season with salt and pepper. Just a gentle shake to distribute.
By keeping it gentle, you’ll avoid a mess and keep your salad looking great!
How to Make Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you want the flavors to blend a bit more, consider refrigerating it for 30 minutes before serving. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts. This is where all the fresh and tasty components come together, so make sure everything is nicely mixed!
2. Toss it Gently:
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss the ingredients to combine them evenly. You want to make sure that every bite has a bit of everything, so take your time here!
3. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss everything again. This will help coat all the ingredients and add amazing flavor to your salad.
4. Final Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy addition. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s all about personal preference, so feel free to add as much or as little as you like!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Whichever you choose, your refreshing pasta salad is ready to be enjoyed!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure it’s cooked according to package instructions before adding it to the salad!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want to change things up, you can use turkey, cooked shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just make sure they’re cooked and seasoned similarly to enhance the flavor of the salad!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the spinach may wilt after a day, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, but if you store it, you might want to add some fresh spinach right before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this salad a few hours in advance! Just mix all the ingredients except the spinach and dressing in advance. When you’re ready to serve, add the spinach and drizzle the dressing over to keep the leaves fresh and crisp. Refrigerate until it’s time to toss and enjoy!
