The vibrant, fresh, and utterly delightful Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. Imagine sweet, juicy strawberries mingling with creamy avocado, crisp baby arugula, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with a luscious poppy seed and Greek yogurt dressing. This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for warm days when you want something light but satisfying, combining a rainbow of colors, textures, and flavors that will instantly brighten any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe is how the ingredients strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to a wonderful harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes the salad irresistible.
- 16 ounces uncooked penne rigate: The ridged shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Used in the pasta water to season the noodles right from the start.
- 2 cups baby arugula: Adds a peppery bite and lovely green color to contrast the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1 lb. strawberries (hulled and sliced): Brings a juicy burst of natural sweetness and vibrant red hues that make the salad pop.
- 2 avocados (cubed): Their creamy texture offers a luscious contrast and richness.
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled): Adds a salty, tangy kick with a nice crumbly texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh herbal notes that brighten and elevate the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A zesty splash that wakes up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing: Sweet and slightly tangy, perfectly complementing the fruit and creamy elements.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang while keeping the dressing light and fresh.
How to Make Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne rigate pasta in salted water, allowing the salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Follow package instructions carefully and aim for an al dente texture, so the pasta is tender with just the right bite to hold up in the salad.
Step 2: Drain and Prepare the Pasta Base
Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot or place it in a large bowl. Keeping it warm at this stage is key because it helps the arugula wilt slightly and allows the dressing to soak in better later.
Step 3: Wilt the Arugula and Season
Stir in the baby arugula while the pasta is still warm. The gentle heat softens the peppery greens just enough without losing their vibrant color. Season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor foundation of the salad.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Produce and Cheese
Now add in the hulled, sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, and crumbled feta cheese. These fresh additions bring sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of saltiness to balance the salad beautifully.
Step 5: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, poppy seed dressing, and Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth to create a luscious, slightly tangy dressing that ties the ingredients together with a fresh, creamy finish.
Step 6: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over the warm pasta mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. The warmth of the pasta helps the dressing meld with the other ingredients, infusing every forkful with a burst of flavor.
Step 7: Serve Warm or Chill
You can enjoy this pasta salad warm, which highlights the tender textures and melded flavors, or chill it for a refreshing cold dish. Before serving, add a splash more lemon juice if you want to brighten it up further.
Step 8: Enjoy!
This Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds—grab a bowl and savor every colorful, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, top your salad with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil or a few extra crumbles of feta cheese. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also add a gourmet touch that impresses your guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even toasted bread to round out your meal. Its fresh, tangy flavor profile complements hearty proteins and simple sides alike, making it a versatile centerpiece or accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars or colorful bowls to make it feel extra special. You could also layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the vibrant colors, encouraging everyone to dig into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best consumed within 2 days, as the avocado may brown slightly, but a squeeze of lemon can help keep it fresh longer.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruit and creamy avocado, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture and flavor of these fresh ingredients will not hold up well after thawing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy the salad warm, you can gently reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the avocado from becoming mushy and to preserve the bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne rigate works wonderfully to hold dressing, other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle also work well because they trap flavors nicely.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
You can swap out feta for goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella if you prefer a milder, creamier cheese that still adds a lovely texture contrast.
How ripe should the avocados be?
Look for avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. This ensures they hold their shape in the salad while offering creamy richness.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the poppy seed and Greek yogurt dressing a day ahead. Just give it a quick whisk before adding it to your pasta salad for the best consistency.
What if I don’t have poppy seed dressing?
No worries! You can substitute with a light honey mustard dressing or a simple vinaigrette made from lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey to maintain that sweet-tangy balance.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe truly shines as a fresh and vibrant dish you’ll want to make again and again. Its inviting blend of textures and flavors is guaranteed to brighten up your table and your mood. Go ahead and give it a try—it might just become your new favorite salad to share with friends and family!
Print
Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining al dente penne pasta with fresh baby arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon-poppy seed yogurt dressing and fresh basil, it’s perfect served warm or chilled for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Greens
- 16 ounces uncooked penne rigate pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 cups baby arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Produce & Cheese
- 1 lb. strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 avocados, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne rigate pasta in a large pot of boiling water seasoned with 1 tablespoon of salt, following the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Combine with Arugula: Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the pot or transfer it to a large bowl. While still hot, stir in the baby arugula to allow it to gently wilt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Fold in the hulled and sliced strawberries, cubed avocados, and crumbled feta cheese evenly through the pasta mixture.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, poppy seed dressing, and Greek yogurt until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the warm pasta salad and stir gently to thoroughly coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
- Serve: This salad can be served immediately warm or chilled in the refrigerator and served cold. For extra brightness, add a splash more lemon juice before serving if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic salad and enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy textures.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushy texture in salad.
- If not serving immediately, keep the salad chilled and add avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.
- The salad can be made vegan by substituting feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and using a vegan yogurt.
- Feel free to substitute baby spinach for arugula if preferred.
- For added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
