Looking for a light, refreshing, and nutritious meal? This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite!
Packed with fresh baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, chewy cranberries, and al dente pasta, this salad is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick weekday lunch. Drizzled with a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a salad you’ll crave again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
✔️ Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and protein.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days!
✔️ A Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Ingredients for Spinach Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, baby spinach, cranberries, feta cheese, red onion, pecans, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Spinach Pasta Salad
🥗 Use Whole Wheat Pasta – For extra fiber and nutrients.
🌿 Massage the Spinach – Slightly rubbing the spinach with your hands makes it more tender.
🧀 Swap the Feta – Goat cheese or parmesan also work well.
🥜 Add Protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make it a full meal.
Easy Variations
🍎 Autumn-Inspired Version – Add sliced apples, pears, or roasted butternut squash for a fall twist.
🥑 Creamy Avocado Upgrade – Mix in diced avocado for extra creaminess.
🌰 Crunchy Delight – Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or almonds for extra crunch.
Storage & Meal Prep
🧊 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Best served cold, but you can lightly warm it if preferred.
💡 Make Ahead Tip: Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs About Spinach Pasta Salad
❓ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free, whole wheat, or chickpea pasta work great.
❓ How do I make it dairy-free?
Omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
❓ Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or even quinoa are great protein-packed additions.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for lunch, meal prep, or a special gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Would you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments! 🥗✨
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