This Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, all tossed with pasta. It’s refreshing and great for warm days!
Honestly, who knew salad could look this fun? I love how the sweet strawberries play with the savory chicken. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner that feels fancy but is super easy!
It’s quick to whip up, and you can even make it ahead of time. Just toss everything together, chill, and it’s ready to impress at any gathering. Enjoy a bowl full of yum! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini for its great shape that holds the dressing and other ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, you can swap it for fusilli, penne, or any pasta you like.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely crunch and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh spinach, consider arugula or baby kale as tasty alternatives.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or even swap it with shredded turkey for a different flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness. If strawberries are out of season, blueberries or raspberries are great substitutes!
Walnuts: They add a nice crunch, but feel free to switch them for pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you prefer. Just make sure to check for allergies!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy and tangy flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or leave it out altogether.
How Do I Make a Creamy Dressing for the Salad?
The dressing is key to blending the flavors of your pasta salad. You can customize it based on your preference. Here’s how:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise). I like Greek yogurt for its richness and health benefits.
- Add honey for sweetness, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Mix in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your liking.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy, then pour it over the salad ingredients before tossing.
This dressing is easy to make and can also be stored for a few days if you have leftovers!
How to Make Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill if you want the flavors to meld together even more. It’s quick and perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it well and let it sit aside to cool. Make sure it’s not too hot when you mix it with the fresh ingredients.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta, fresh spinach leaves, shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese if you’re using it. Give it all a gentle mix to blend these colorful ingredients together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will bring your salad to life, so give it a good stir!
4. Combine Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over your salad mix and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are nicely coated with that creamy dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad right away, or for an even better flavor experience, cover it and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This lets all those delicious flavors blend together. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken can be perfect for this recipe. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can easily substitute it with goat cheese, mozzarella, or omit it altogether for a lighter salad. Each option will give a different flavor, so pick what you prefer!
How Do I Keep the Salad Fresh for Later?
To store leftovers, keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat, as this keeps the ingredients fresher and prevents sogginess.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance! Just follow the instructions, but add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. This way, the flavors will blend beautifully, and the salad will be delightful when served.
