Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 oz Ronzoni pasta (tubular-type pasta such as mostaccioli or similar)
• 2 tsp Walnut oil (may substitute vegetable oil)
• 2 pint Fresh strawberries, sliced (divided)
• 2/3 cup Toasted coconut
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 4 Tbs Confectioners sugar
• 4 tsp Kirsh (cherry brandy), optional
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Walnut pieces, toasted
• Salad greens

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with walnut oil. Gently blend in 1-1/2 cups of sliced strawberries and toasted coconut. Set aside.
3. In a food processor or blender, process the remaining strawberries along with the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, Kirsh (if using), and vanilla extract until the strawberries are pureed and the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Serve the pasta on a bed of salad greens. Spoon the strawberry dressing over the top of the pasta and greens.
5. Sprinkle with the toasted walnut pieces.
6. Enjoy this delightful and refreshing pasta salad!

Note: To toast the walnuts and coconut, you can follow either the conventional oven method or the microwave method. In the oven method, heat the oven to 350°F and spread the ingredients in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown. In the microwave method, spread the walnuts and coconut on a glass plate and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring after each minute.

Here are some variations of the Strawberry Pasta Salad recipe:

1. Chicken and Strawberry Pasta Salad: Add cooked and shredded chicken to the pasta salad for added protein and flavor. Grill or pan-sear the chicken with your favorite seasonings before adding it to the salad.
2. Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze: Crumble some creamy goat cheese over the pasta salad for a tangy twist. Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
3. Mixed Berry Pasta Salad: Instead of using just strawberries, mix in a variety of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. This will add a burst of color and different flavors to the salad.
4. Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad: Add fresh spinach leaves to the salad for extra greens and a different texture. The combination of strawberries and spinach works wonderfully together.
5. Mint and Lime Dressing: Instead of the strawberry dressing in the original recipe, make a refreshing mint and lime dressing. Blend fresh mint leaves, lime juice, honey, and a touch of olive oil until smooth and drizzle over the pasta salad.
6. Asian Fusion Pasta Salad: Replace the coconut and walnut with sliced almonds and mandarin orange segments. Toss the salad with a sesame ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired twist.
7. Feta and Strawberry Pasta Salad: Crumble some feta cheese over the salad for a salty and creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries.
8. Arugula and Prosciutto: Add peppery arugula leaves and thin slices of prosciutto to the salad for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
9. Avocado and Cucumber: Dice some avocado and cucumber to add creaminess and freshness to the pasta salad.
10. Greek Strawberry Pasta Salad: Use feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and red onion in the salad, and dress it with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.