Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a bright, fresh dish perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side. The combination of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and zesty lemon dressing makes it both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and let cool.
- Step 2: Rinse the spinach under cold water and shake off excess moisture.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries; toss gently to mix.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; drizzle over the salad while tossing to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Swap rotini with penne or bow-tie pasta for a different texture.
- Use baby kale instead of spinach for a heartier salad.
- Add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing for a touch of sweetness.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta and spinach may soften over time, so for best texture, consume it within the first day. If needed, gently toss the salad again before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving to refresh the ingredients.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are very tart and less sweet, so dried cranberries are recommended for the best flavor balance in this salad.
PrintSpinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad featuring tender rotini pasta, fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a light lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down, then set aside.
- Prepare Spinach: Rinse the fresh spinach leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Shake off excess moisture and chop the spinach roughly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture while tossing gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be served at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
Keywords: spinach pasta salad, feta cheese salad, rotini pasta salad, cranberry salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy pasta salad
