Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy feta contrasts beautifully with the tangy cranberries, while the crunchy walnuts or pecans add a satisfying bite. The spinach provides freshness, and the pasta ties everything together in a light and savory dish. With a simple olive oil dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside. - Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts:
While the pasta is cooling, chop the spinach, red onion, and nuts. Set them aside for later. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and red onion. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste if desired. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s great both warm and chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Total Time: ~20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella, depending on your preference. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor.
3. Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Just make sure to refrigerate it, and you can serve it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.
5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries would not be suitable in this salad as they are too tart. Dried cranberries offer a nice balance of sweetness that complements the other ingredients well.
6. Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cheese or vegan feta.
7. How can I make the dressing more flavorful?
To enhance the dressing, you can add a splash of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for some extra tang.
8. Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts or pecans?
Yes, feel free to use almonds, cashews, or even pine nuts instead of walnuts or pecans.
9. How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop it from sticking together. Tossing it in a bit of olive oil can also help keep the pasta separate.
10. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes for additional flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect combination of fresh, savory, and sweet flavors. The creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts come together to make a deliciously satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Print
Spinach Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines the creaminess of feta, the sweetness of cranberries, and the crunch of nuts with tender pasta and fresh spinach. Drizzled with a simple olive oil dressing, this easy-to-make salad is a perfect light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a delightful dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
8 oz (225g) pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ small red onion, finely diced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
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Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts:
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While the pasta is cooling, chop the spinach, red onion, and nuts. Set them aside for later.
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Combine Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and red onion.
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Dress the Salad:
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Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Serve the pasta salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s great both warm and chilled.
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Notes
Tip: For the freshest flavor, serve the salad immediately after dressing it. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Storage: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold, and the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Substitutions: Feel free to swap out feta for goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella, and you can use any type of pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Light Meal
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
