Description

A vibrant and refreshing Creamy Strawberry Feta Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta, juicy fresh strawberries, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a luscious Greek yogurt-based dressing with a hint of honey and poppy seeds. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck, this salad combines sweet, savory, and creamy elements for a delightful and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

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

Salad

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

Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water, then set aside to cool.
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth and combined.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, and sliced almonds. If using, add chickpeas and/or cooked grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve cold.
Storage: Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.

Notes

The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor integration.
Optional protein additions such as grilled chicken, shrimp, cooked salmon, or chickpeas add extra nutrition and make it a more complete meal.
Greek yogurt provides creaminess while keeping the dressing lighter and healthier than traditional mayonnaise-based dressings.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor contrast and sweetness.
The salad is best consumed within 2 days to ensure freshness of the avocado and strawberries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, feta pasta salad, summer salad, healthy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, strawberry feta salad