- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total time
- 37 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 410 kcal
Quick summary
“A colorful salad of short pasta al dente with slices of fresh strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, avocado cubes, and crunchy romaine lettuce. Wrapped in a bright apple vinaigrette with poppy seeds and toasted almonds.”
What you need to know
- Short pasta cooled in cold water maintains a firm texture to absorb the vinaigrette without getting soggy.
- The apple vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and poppy seeds binds sweet notes with aromatic acidity.
- Toasted sliced almonds provide a crunchy element contrasting with the softness of the feta cheese.
Ingredients
Main
- g Short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- cups (about 300g), sliced Fresh strawberries
- g, crumbled Queijo Feta
- cups (about 1 small head), roughly torn Alface romana
- medium units, cubed Ripe avocado
- cup, lightly toasted Sliced almonds
- cup Extra virgin olive oil
- cup Apple cider vinegar
- tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup)
- teaspoon Dijon mustard
- tablespoon Poppy seeds
- teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
- teaspoon (or to taste) Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Principal
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in abundant salted water, following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking. Let it drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a container, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix vigorously with a wire whisk or use an immersion blender to emulsify until you get a homogeneous and creamy sauce. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cold pasta, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, torn romaine lettuce, and avocado cubes. Add the toasted sliced almonds.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are well coated. Serve immediately, enjoying the freshness and contrast of flavors and textures. If desired, add more freshly ground black pepper.
Chef's tips
- Cook the pasta 1 minute less than indicated on the package so that it remains strictly al dente in the salad.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 2 minutes over medium heat until golden and let cool before adding.
- Pour the sauce and stir gently only when serving so as not to mash the ripe avocado cubes.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken breast in thin strips to turn the salad into a complete protein meal.
- Add fresh whole blueberries or blackberries along with strawberries for a berry feast.
- Replace romaine lettuce with baby spinach or arugula leaves for a profile with more bitter notes.
Substitutions
- Short fusilli pasta can be substituted with penne, farfalle, or rigatoni made from durum wheat.
- The feta cheese can be exchanged for goat cheese in pieces, cured Minas cheese, or buffalo mozzarella.
- The sliced almonds can be replaced by chopped pecans, cashews, or pine nuts.
How to store
Keep the dough with the cheese and strawberries in a closed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado and almonds to cut and sprinkle at the exact moment of consumption.
Can it be frozen?
Freezing this pasta salad with fresh vegetables and fruits is highly discouraged, as the structure of the ingredients breaks down into watery pulp in the freezer.
What to serve with
Pairs with cheese quiche with caramelized onion, smoked turkey breast, watermelon juice with mint, and chilled sparkling wine.
Frequently asked questions
How to cool cooked pasta without it sticking?
Drain the boiling water, rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking, and drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil mixing well before adding to the other ingredients.
Why is feta cheese ideal for salads with fruit?
Feta cheese has a salty salivation and pronounced lactic acidity that break the natural sweetness of the strawberry and the rich oiliness of the avocado, balancing the dish.
Can apple cider vinegar be substituted with another acid?
Yes, mild white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice work very well, maintaining the necessary freshness to balance the olive oil.
What is the role of poppy seeds in the sauce?
Poppy seeds bring a slightly crunchy texture to the apple cider vinegar and honey sauce, besides adding a classic bistro aesthetic presentation.
