Dinner

Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad Recipe

Bylilan Sage August 24, 2026August 24, 2026

Introduction

This creamy strawberry feta pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or potlucks. Combining sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, it’s a delightful mix of tastes and textures that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad showing 3 layers: the bottom layer is creamy bow tie pasta mixed with green lettuce leaves and sliced red strawberries; the middle layer features grilled chicken breast slices with a golden-brown outside, neatly arranged in the center; the top layer is a creamy dressing with black poppy seeds drizzled evenly over the chicken and salad. A golden fork rests on the edge of the bowl, and the background is a white marbled surface with a light pink cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2/3 cup (160g) plain Greek yogurt*
1/4 cup (60g/ml) apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (56g/60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (85g) honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard)
1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
1 pound (454g) uncooked pasta*
3 cups (about 150g) chopped romaine lettuce
1–1.5 lbs. (454–681g) fresh strawberries, sliced
3/4 cup (113g) crumbled feta cheese
2 avocados, diced
3/4 cup (85g) sliced almonds
Optional add-ins: chickpeas, grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or cooked salmon

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the dressing by whisking together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, mustard, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup until smooth.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, diced avocado, and sliced almonds. Add any optional proteins like chickpeas, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon if desired.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Substitute any pasta shape you prefer; bow ties or rotini work especially well to hold the dressing.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
If you want a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt and omit the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
To keep avocados from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Storage

Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add the avocado just before serving or keep it separate and combine later. Stir gently before serving and enjoy chilled. Reheating is not recommended as the salad is best served cold.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three main visible layers: the bottom layer is small, bow-tie shaped pasta pieces in a creamy off-white color, mixed evenly throughout with green lettuce leaves providing texture and freshness, and topped with bright red sliced strawberries scattered across the bowl. The salad is lightly drizzled with a creamy white dressing speckled with tiny black poppy seeds, adding contrast. To the left, there's a white bowl stacked with whole strawberries, while two clear glasses with ice cubes and sparkling water sit above the pasta bowl on a light beige cloth with fringe edges placed on a white marbled surface. Below the bowl, a peach-colored cloth carries a gold spoon and fork. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this pasta salad in advance?

Yes, this salad can be made up to 2 days ahead. Refrigerate it covered, but add delicate ingredients like avocado close to serving time to maintain freshness.