Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad is chock full of luscious berries, avocado, feta, spinach and spiral pasta – a delicious and nutritious side dish or meatless main dish!
One of the best parts of summer, is the summer fruit. The berries in particular. I love, love fresh berries. And I have always been a fan of salads with berries. I know some people aren’t fans of fruit in their savory dishes, but I am not one of those people. I even like pineapple on my pizza. GASP! Yeah, I said it.
Years ago, I had a salad at a restaurant that had pasta in it. I think it was a Caesar salad with chicken and pasta. And I was so impressed by it! I mean, at that point in my life, I would have never thought to add pasta to a green salad. And what better way to enhance a berry and spinach salad, than with noodles?!?
What do you need to make Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad?
Rotini Noodles
Spinach
Strawberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Avocado
Feta Crumbles
Summer time is BBQ time, right? And what is better to accompany grilled meat, than a refreshing Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad? Oh, and did I mention that this salad is topped off with an amazing Balsamic Lemon Poppyseed Vinaigrette?? It combines two of my favorite flavors – balsamic and lemon. It’s the perfect complement to the berries and the crisp spinach.
What do you need to make Balsamic Lemon Poppyseed Vinaigrette?
Olive Oil
Lemon Juice
Balsamic Vinegar
Honey
Shallots
Brown Mustard
Poppyseeds
I want to put this dressing on all the things. All the salads. Berries by themselves. Pasta salad. Anything I can think of, I’m putting it on. It’s that good.
It has the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, creamy, and tart. It’s not overwhelming, and it goes so well with pretty much any salad mix and toppings. But I think it’s especially good with fruit in the mix. The balsamic vinegar gives it a little edge on traditional lemon poppyseed dressing.
This is the summer salad and dressing that you definitely don’t want to miss out on. At some point, there will be gatherings and BBQs, birthday parties, and such. Make this Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad for them. And in the mean time, make it for you. Make it for your family. Make it while all those glorious berries are in season.
And in case you need a little more persuading…just look at that drizzle….
You can have this amazing Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad ready to serve in about 10 minutes. You can also make it ahead, just wait to put the dressing on until you’re ready to serve!
Need more delicious summer salads? Try my Chicken Cobb Salad with Berries, Summer Pasta Salad and Strawberry Broccoli Salad
And check out more #BBQWeek delicious recipes below!
Follow me on Pinterest for more great recipes!
Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rotini noodles
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, stems removed and sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 avocado, pit and peel removed, diced
- 1/3 cup feta crumbles
For the Lemon Poppyseed Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp brown mustard
- 1/4 cup diced shallot
- 1 Tbsp poppyseeds
Instructions
- Cook rotini according to package instructions, drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, place the spinach and top with berries, rotini noodles, avocado and feta.
- For the vinaigrette: Combine all ingredients, besides poppyseeds, in a blender and mix until well-combined. Stir in poppyseeds and pour into a dressing bottle or other container for serving. Drizzle over the salad, toss to combine and serve!
Nutrition
Wednesday #BBQWeek Recipes
DIY Hot Dog Onion Sauce by Palatable Pastime
Grilled Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions by Blogghetti
Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad by The Spiffy Cookie
Poppy Seed Slaw by Our Good Life
Smoked Ribs with KC Style Sauce by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Southwest Pasta Salad with Lime Vinaigrette by Making Miracles
Southwestern Deviled Eggs by The Freshman Cook
Sugar Cone Chocolate Chip Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Summer Berry Spinach Pasta Salad by Sweet Beginnings
Tortellini Pesto Salad by Our Crafty Mom
Tri Color Potato Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
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