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Fresh 20-Minute Berry Pasta Salad Recipe with Mint and Feta Perfect for Summer

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A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad combining sweet fresh berries, tangy feta, and refreshing mint, perfect for quick summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  3. Hull and slice 1 cup fresh strawberries and measure 1 cup blueberries. Thinly slice 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced strawberries, blueberries, chopped onion, and mint. Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly, being careful not to mash the berries.
  5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, or serve immediately cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinsing pasta with cold water after cooking prevents sticking and cools it quickly. Handle berries gently to avoid bruising. Finely chop mint for best flavor distribution. Serve the salad the day it is made for best texture. For vegan version, omit feta or use plant-based cheese and add toasted nuts for crunch. Keep dressing separate if preparing ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry pasta salad, summer salad, mint and feta salad, quick pasta salad, fresh berry salad, easy summer recipe

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/fresh-20-minute-berry-pasta-salad-recipe-with-mint-and-feta-perfect-for-summer/