Description
A vibrant Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad combining tender pasta, fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs, tossed in a tangy, naturally sweetened dressing with apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This refreshing and colorful salad is quick to prepare, plant-based, and perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a lively side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups cooked short pasta (such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne), cooled
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or mint leaves
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, honey or agave syrup (natural), and natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture.
- Chop nuts coarsely for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Whisk dressing thoroughly until slightly thickened for better coating of the salad.
- Serve the salad chilled to enjoy its freshest and most vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spinach salad, Strawberry salad, Pasta salad, Vegan salad, Summer salad, Plant-based, Healthy side dish
