Tangy Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories bloom whenever a balsamic strawberry pasta salad graces my plate.

Unexpected flavor combinations often spark culinary magic in unexpected ways.

Ripe strawberries bring surprising depth to classic pasta dishes.

Crisp herbs and tangy balsamic create a symphony of refreshing tastes.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Vibrant colors and bright notes promise a delightful dining experience.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

Let’s uncover the delicious secrets of this unique pasta creation.

Why Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Feels So Fresh

• Whip Up a Quick Delight: This pasta salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Savor Unexpected Flavor Combinations: The unique blend of sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic glaze creates a surprising and delightful taste experience that will impress family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility for personal preferences, allowing you to swap ingredients or adjust quantities to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Enjoy Hot or Cold: Whether served immediately or chilled, this versatile dish works perfectly as a refreshing summer side or a light main course for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Everything You Need For Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Provides the main structure and carbohydrate base for the salad, perfect for absorbing flavors.

• Strawberries: Adds sweet and tangy freshness, best when ripe and in-season.
• Basil: Introduces a bright, herbal note that complements the fruit and cheese.

• Mozzarella, Almonds: Offer creamy texture and nutty crunch, balancing the salad's soft and crisp elements.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze: Creates a rich, sweet-tangy coating that ties all ingredients together.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Simple Steps To Make Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

• Grab your favorite pasta shape
• Follow package instructions for cooking
• Drain the pasta
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and cool down

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Ripe strawberries
• Fresh mozzarella
• Crunchy almonds
• Fragrant basil leaves

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Toss all chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl
• Add cooked pasta to the bowl
• Drizzle generously with olive oil
• Pour balsamic glaze over the mixture
• Gently fold everything together to blend flavors

Step 4: Season and Enhance

• Sprinkle salt
• Grind fresh black pepper
• Mix carefully to distribute seasonings evenly

Step 5: Chill or Serve

• Let the pasta salad rest for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to mingle
• Alternatively, serve immediately
• Optional: Add an extra splash of balsamic glaze on top for extra zing

Pro Tip: This vibrant pasta salad works perfectly as a summer side dish or light lunch. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic, and creamy mozzarella creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Tips To Nail Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

• Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better sauce and ingredient coating.
• Strawberry Selection: Use ripe, sweet strawberries at peak freshness to enhance the salad's overall flavor profile.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator allows ingredients to meld and develop a more complex taste.
• Customize with Alternatives: Swap mozzarella for feta cheese or add grilled chicken for a protein-packed version of the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance, keeping dressing and basil separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.

How To Store Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Properly

• Refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the fresh herbs and almonds crisp by storing them separately and adding just before serving.
• Prevent soggy textures by draining excess liquid and storing the mozzarella and strawberries in different sections of the container.
• Enjoy the best flavor and texture by consuming within 24 hours of preparation, as the strawberries will release moisture over time and potentially make the pasta soft.

Perfect Pairings With Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp Rosé Wine: The light, fruity notes of a chilled rosé perfectly complement the sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic glaze in this pasta salad.
• Serve Alongside Grilled Chicken: The protein adds a savory element that balances the salad's sweetness, creating a well-rounded meal with contrasting flavors.
• Add Sparkling Water with Lemon: The citrusy, refreshing drink cuts through the richness of mozzarella and provides a palate-cleansing effect between bites.
• Enjoy with Crusty Sourdough Bread: The bread's slightly tangy flavor and crunchy texture make an excellent accompaniment, helping to soak up the balsamic glaze and olive oil.

Tasty Spins On Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add diced cucumber for a Greek-inspired version that brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to the classic pasta salad.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta to transform the salad into a hearty main course with added protein and depth of flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Swap almonds with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to create a different textural experience and enhance the salad's nutty undertones.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh mint or oregano alongside basil to introduce a more complex herbal profile that complements the sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic glaze.

Questions About Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad

• What makes this pasta salad unique?

The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic glaze, and creamy mozzarella creates a surprising and delightful flavor profile that breaks away from traditional pasta salads.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have mozzarella?

Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese work wonderfully and can add an extra layer of flavor to the salad while maintaining a similar creamy texture.

• Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?

Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor events because it’s refreshing, can be served cold, and offers a light yet satisfying meal that’s sure to impress guests.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to boost the protein content and turn this into a more substantial main course salad.

Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet summer strawberries dance with tangy balsamic in this refreshing Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad, blending Mediterranean flavors into a light, elegant dish. Crisp herbs and creamy goat cheese elevate this colorful salad, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)

Garnish and Crunch:

• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by boiling in a pot of salted water until al dente, ensuring a firm texture. Immediately transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool down the pasta.
2. While the pasta cools, slice fresh strawberries into delicate, thin wedges to release their natural sweetness and create an elegant visual appeal.
3. Select a spacious mixing vessel and combine the chilled pasta with the strawberry slices, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
4. Crumble mozzarella into rustic chunks, allowing the cheese to provide creamy pockets of flavor throughout the dish.
5. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the mixture, introducing a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone to the salad’s composition.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves into delicate pieces, scattering them generously to infuse the dish with an aromatic herbal essence.
7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze across the ingredients, using a gentle folding motion to ensure even distribution without bruising the delicate components.
8. Season with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
9. For optimal taste, refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Alternatively, serve immediately with an additional artistic drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
• Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant taste and sweetest natural flavor profile.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the perfect texture of almonds and prevent pasta from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg