Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad With Poppyseed Dressing
Summer is here and it's time to indulge in some refreshing salads. If you're looking for a delicious and healthy salad that's perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue, then try this Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients:
The ingredients for this salad are easy to find and can be bought from any grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound of fusilli pasta
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 pint of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
Poppyseed Dressing:
The dressing for this salad is a simple but delicious poppyseed dressing. Here's what you'll need:
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, here are the steps to make this delicious salad:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
And voila! Your Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is ready to be served.
Health Benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients:
- Spinach leaves: Rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin K, spinach leaves help in maintaining healthy bones and preventing anemia.
- Strawberries: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, strawberries help in boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
- Almonds: High in healthy fats and protein, almonds help in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Feta cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, feta cheese helps in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
- Dried cranberries: High in fiber and antioxidants, dried cranberries help in improving digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Poppyseeds: Rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, poppyseeds help in maintaining healthy bones and reducing stress levels.
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Poppyseed Dressing is a perfect summer salad that's both healthy and delicious. It's a great way to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet and is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. So, go ahead and try this recipe today!