Dinner

Strawberry Fields Pasta Salad Recipe

ByHugo Harnd April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Introduction

Strawberry Fields Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic pasta salad, packed with sweet strawberries, tangy mandarin oranges, and creamy feta. This vibrant dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

A clear glass bowl holds a colorful layered salad with farfalle pasta as the base, light yellow and smooth in texture. Mixed in are fresh dark green spinach leaves, bright red sliced strawberries, dark purple grapes, and small peeled orange segments. Thin slices of light purple onion add contrast throughout. On top are scattered brown pecans and white crumbly cheese pieces, all coated lightly with a creamy dressing that gives a slight sheen. The bowl rests on a soft pink cloth with green leaf patterns, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces bow tie pasta
1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 cups baby spinach
1½ cups red grapes, sliced in half
1 small red onion, sliced thin
15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
8 ounces feta, crumbled
12 ounces poppy seed dressing (Bitten Lemon flavor recommended)
½ cup pecans
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced strawberries, halved grapes, thinly sliced red onion, baby spinach, drained mandarin oranges, pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 3: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill the salad.
Step 5: Serve the salad chilled and enjoy a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for warm days.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
If you prefer, swap out baby spinach for arugula for a peppery twist.
Use your favorite poppy seed dressing or a homemade citrus vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and toss again before serving, as the dressing may settle. Avoid freezing, as the fresh fruits and dressing may lose their texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful salad, starting with a base layer of light yellow farfalle pasta. Mixed in are bright green spinach leaves and slices of red strawberries. Small orange citrus segments and dark purple grapes add pops of color throughout. Toasted brown pecans and thin slices of light purple onion are scattered on top, along with small white crumbles of cheese. The bowl is placed on a soft pink cloth with a floral pattern, and next to it is a wooden spoon resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad can be made a few hours or even a day in advance. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served cold.

What can I substitute for poppy seed dressing?

If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, a honey mustard or lemon vinaigrette works well as a substitute, providing a similar balance of sweetness and tang.