Zingy Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe to Savor Today
Sweet summer strawberries meet their savory match in this vibrant balsamic strawberry pasta salad that dances with unexpected flavor combinations.
Fresh ingredients mingle to create a colorful plate bursting with taste and texture.
Juicy berries add a bright punch to every forkful of perfectly cooked pasta.
Tangy balsamic glaze weaves through tender noodles, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and zesty notes.
Crisp herbs and crumbled cheese complete this delightful dish that feels both elegant and approachable.
Each bite promises a refreshing culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next gathering or quick weeknight dinner.
Easy Guide To Make Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Boil Pasta Prepare your favorite pasta by following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to quickly cool it down and stop the cooking process.
Create Flavor Fusion In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with juicy sliced strawberries, creamy mozzarella chunks, crunchy almonds, and fragrant fresh basil leaves.
Dress and Toss Gently drizzle olive oil and a rich balsamic glaze over the pasta mixture. Use a light hand to fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets coated with the tangy-sweet dressing.
Final Touch Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to enhance the flavors. For maximum taste, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes or serve right away with an extra splash of balsamic glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Helpful Ideas For Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Fresh Flavor Boost: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of summery freshness that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the dressing and ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy textures.
Protein Power-Up: Easily transform this into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or plant-based protein like crispy tofu for extra substance and nutrition.
Dietary Swap Options: For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free versions, replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit cheese entirely; those avoiding nuts can substitute almonds with sunflower seeds or skip nuts completely.
Temperature Tricks: Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing summer side dish, or enjoy at room temperature for a more mellow flavor profile that allows ingredients to shine.
How To Plate Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Fresh Picnic Delight: Pack this vibrant pasta salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or summer park lunches. The cool flavors and easy transport make it perfect for casual meals.
Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in elegant appetizer glasses or mini bowls at dinner parties, creating a sophisticated starter that showcases the beautiful strawberry and mozzarella combination.
Protein Power-Up: Enhance the salad's nutritional value by adding grilled chicken strips, sliced prosciutto, or chickpeas. These protein additions transform the dish from a simple side to a complete, satisfying meal.
Wine Pairing Magic: Match this refreshing pasta salad with a crisp rosé or light white wine like Pinot Grigio. The wine's subtle notes will complement the sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic glaze, elevating the entire dining experience.
Keep Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad Fresh
Refrigeration Strategy: Store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the mozzarella and almonds crisp by storing them separately if possible.
Quick Refresh Technique: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving to revive the flavors and texture.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pasta and slice strawberries a day in advance. Mix ingredients just before serving to maintain the freshest taste and prevent soggy textures.
Portion Planning: Divide salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pack dressing on the side to keep ingredients crisp and prevent early wilting of delicate strawberries and basil.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 305 kcal
Servings: 5
What You’ll Need For Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
For Pasta Base:
Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation of the salad, choose a short shape like rotini or penne that catches dressing beautifully.
For Fresh and Creamy Elements:
Strawberries, Mozzarella: Sweet berries add bright summer flavor while creamy mozzarella creates delightful contrast, select ripe strawberries and fresh mozzarella for maximum taste.
For Crunch and Herbal Accent:
Almonds, Basil: Crunchy almonds deliver textural excitement and nutty undertones while fresh basil introduces aromatic Mediterranean essence, choose raw sliced almonds and vibrant green basil leaves.
For Seasoning and Dressing:
Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze, Salt, Pepper: Olive oil smooths ingredients together, balsamic glaze adds tangy sweetness, salt and pepper balance and enhance overall flavor profile, select high-quality extra virgin olive oil and rich balsamic glaze.
Tools To Prep Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Large pot: For boiling pasta perfectly.
Colander: To drain and rinse pasta quickly.
Large mixing bowl: Combines all ingredients smoothly.
Cutting board: Helps slice strawberries and chop basil.
Sharp knife: For precise strawberry and basil preparation.
Measuring spoons: Ensures correct seasoning with salt and pepper.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Gently toss ingredients without breaking them.
Summer calls for this balsamic strawberry pasta salad, perfect for picnics and gatherings. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying dish you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups strawberries (fresh, hulled and sliced)
8 oz (226 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 cup mozzarella pearls (fresh, or cubed)
¼ cup basil (fresh, chopped)
¼ cup almonds (sliced, toasted)
2 tbsps balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, then immediately rinse under cold water to halt cooking and preserve ideal texture.
Fruit and Cheese Integration: Gently combine chilled pasta with thinly sliced strawberries, crumbled mozzarella, and toasted almonds in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and textural foundation.
Herbal Infusion: Delicately tear fresh basil leaves and scatter throughout the mixture, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the ingredients.
Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze across the salad, using a gentle folding technique to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution without compromising ingredient integrity.
Seasoning and Refinement: Artfully season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestion: Chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize, or serve immediately with an elegant final drizzle of balsamic glaze for maximum culinary impact.
Notes
Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture, preventing mushiness and ensuring the right bite in your salad.
Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, sweet strawberries at peak season for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant color in the dish.
Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad briefly to allow ingredients to marry, enhancing the overall taste and letting the balsamic notes penetrate deeply.
Customization Flexibility: Swap mozzarella with goat cheese for a tangier profile or use vegan cheese alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free and accommodate different dietary needs.
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen