Save Last July, my kitchen was stifling hot and I had a bowl of ripe strawberries that needed to be used immediately. I threw together this bizarre pasta dessert on a whim, expecting a complete disaster. The first bite stopped me in my tracks, cold and creamy with little bursts of sweet-tart fruit. Now it is the recipe my friends actually request most.
I served this at a summer potluck and watched people get genuinely confused about whether it was salad or dessert. My cousin Sarah took three servings and finally said she did not care what category it belonged to. There is something delightful about a dish that refuses to follow the rules.
Ingredients
- 250 g short pasta: Fusilli catches the sauce beautifully in those little curls
- 1 L water: Plenty of water prevents sticking
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to season the pasta as it cooks
- 300 g fresh strawberries: Pick ones that smell fragrant and give slightly to gentle pressure
- 2 tbsp sugar: Adjust up or down depending on berry sweetness
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens everything and prevents the strawberries from tasting flat
- 250 g Greek yogurt: Full fat gives the best luscious mouthfeel
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Honey adds floral notes while maple syrup brings a deeper sweetness
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Do not skip this tiny but mighty flavor booster
- 50 g fresh strawberries for garnish: Pretty slices on top make people excited before they even take a bite
- 2 tbsp roasted slivered almonds: The crunch is absolutely essential for texture contrast
- Fresh mint leaves: A little herb freshness wakes up the whole dish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Bring water to a rolling boil, stir in salt, add pasta, and cook until just tender with a slight bite in the center
- Chill it fast:
- Drain well, rinse thoroughly under cold water until the pasta feels cold to the touch, and let it drain completely
- Macerate the berries:
- Mash strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until juicy but still chunky, then let them sit for 10 minutes
- Make the creamy base:
- Whisk yogurt with honey and vanilla until completely smooth and no lumps remain
- Bring it together:
- Pour cooled pasta into the strawberry sauce and fold gently until every piece is coated
- Add the creaminess:
- Fold in the yogurt mixture but save a few generous spoonfuls for that pretty drizzle on top
- Finish with flair:
- Divide into bowls, arrange fresh strawberry slices on top, drizzle with reserved yogurt, and scatter almonds and mint
Save This recipe has become my go-to when I need something that feels special but requires zero actual effort. Last week I ate it straight from the container standing in front of the open refrigerator at midnight.
Make It Your Own
The base formula works with so many fruits depending on what looks good at the market. Peaches, mangoes, or even frozen berries in winter can transform this into something entirely new while keeping that same creamy comforting texture.
Serving Suggestions
This works as a light dessert after a heavy meal or even as a weirdly satisfying brunch dish. I have packed it in mason jars for picnics where it travels surprisingly well without getting soggy.
Texture Magic
The contrast between cold slippery pasta, juicy berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy almonds is what makes each bite interesting. Play around with other toppings like toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios.
- Toast the nuts in a dry pan until fragrant for extra flavor
- Try adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the yogurt mixture
- Chill the finished dish for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture
Save Strange but utterly delicious, this is the summer recipe that converts skeptics into believers. Serve it cold and watch the confusion turn into delight.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like fusilli or penne holds the sauce well and provides a satisfying texture.
- → Can this dish be served warm or cold?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature to maintain the fresh, creamy flavors.
- → Are there any good variations for the fruit component?
Blueberries or raspberries can be added or substituted for a mixed berry twist.
- → What are suitable garnishes to enhance flavor and presentation?
Sliced fresh strawberries, roasted slivered almonds, and mint leaves add texture and freshness.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for this dish?
Using plant-based yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey creates a vegan-friendly version.