Creamy Summer Pasta Salad with Strawberry, Feta, and Almonds

An explosion of flavors and textures for hot days, combining the sweetness of strawberry with the intensity of feta.

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Equipe Receita Solta

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad with Strawberry, Feta, and Almonds
Prep Time25 min
Cook Time12 min
Servings6 servings
DifficultyEasy
Calories410 kcal

Resumo para quem tem pressa

"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."

Discover the surprising combination of juicy strawberries, salty feta cheese, tender pasta, crunchy lettuce, and a spicy poppy seed dressing in this vibrant salad, ideal for any occasion.

O Que Você Precisa Saber

- 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

Ingredients

  • 300 g Short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 2 cups (about 300g), sliced Fresh strawberries
  • 150 g, crumbled Queijo Feta
  • 6 cups (about 1 small head), roughly torn Alface romana
  • 2 medium units, cubed Ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup, lightly toasted Sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Instructions

1

<strong>Prepare the Pasta:</strong> 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.

2

<strong>Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing:</strong> 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.

3

<strong>Assemble the Salad:</strong> 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.

4

<strong>Finish and Serve:</strong> 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.

Equipe sua Cozinha

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Chef Tips

- Cozinhe a massa 1 minuto a menos que o indicado no pacote para que permaneça estritamente al dente na salada. - Toste as amêndoas em frigideira seca por 2 minutos em fogo médio até dourarem e deixe esfriar antes de juntar. - Despeje o molho e mexa com delicadeza apenas na hora de servir para não amassar os cubos de abacate maduro.

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

- A massa curta fusilli pode ser substituída por penne, farfalle (gravatinha) ou rigatoni de grano duro. - O queijo feta pode ser trocado por queijo de cabra em pedaços, queijo minas curado ou muçarela de búfala. - As amêndoas laminadas podem ser substituídas por nozes pecãs picadas, castanhas-de-caju ou pinoli.

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 You Freeze It?

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.

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.

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.

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