Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Often, I write down recipe ideas, and come back to them later. This month felt like a good time to circle back and look for inspiration. And there within all the scribbled notes was this little gem. What could be more delightful than an easy vegan recipe for strawberry spinach pasta salad with poppy seed dressing? So, without further adieu, let’s get to it!

A few things…

• ・This recipe uses UVK’s Vegan Poppy Seed Dressing in it. Whether you make it with the olive oil or vegan mayo, it tastes great in this salad. Make the dressing that suits you!

• ・The vegan feta cheese is 100% optional. It’s nice, but not essential.

• ・It best served right away. If left too long, the spinach wilts and the nuts are less crunchy.

This recipe for strawberry spinach bow tie pasta salad makes ~4-6 servings. It’s terrific for lunch, as a side dish and would probably be lovely for Easter dinner.

Always grateful you’re here! 💚 Check out more UVK recipes, like Broccoli Pasta Salad with Fresh Italian Herb Dressing, Vegan Sunflower Pesto Pasta Salad or Vegan Baked Pasta with Tofu Ricotta and Eggplant.

Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

½ pound dry farfalle pasta (OR ~4 cups dry farfalle pasta)

½ cup finely chopped walnuts

1 batch vegan poppy seed dressing (see note above)

1 pound sliced strawberries (OR ~3 cups sliced strawberries)

2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach

Vegan feta, to taste – optional (I added ~¼ cup)

1. First, you’ll make the pasta for the strawberry spinach salad. Fill a large pot with water. Bring to a boil on the stove. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the farfalle pasta. Follow the directions on the pasta box to cook, or boil for 10-12 minutes or until soft enough to enjoy eating. Then, drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.

2. While you’re waiting for the water to boil for the pasta, add the walnuts to a small, dry skillet. Stir constantly over HIGH heat for ~2 minutes or until toasted. Remove from heat. Stir around one last time, and set aside to cool.

3. In a large mixing bowl, make this recipe for poppy seed dressing. Either version (olive oil or mayo) tastes good in this strawberry spinach pasta salad recipe.

4. Add the pasta to the poppy seed dressing in the mixing bowl. Stir until the pasta is well-coated in the dressing.

5. Add the walnuts, sliced berries, spinach and vegan feta (if using). Stir together and taste the strawberry spinach pasta salad. Adjust flavors, if needed (more apple cider vinegar? salt? agave?). Serve.