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
