Spinach 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
Scale
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
