Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Looking for a light, refreshing, and colorful dish to brighten up your meal? This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect solution! With its vibrant spinach, sweet-tart cranberries, and creamy feta, this salad strikes a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The pasta adds a comforting heartiness, while the tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish for a family dinner, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it all the time!

Why You’ll Love Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Here’s why this salad is going to become a staple in your recipe repertoire:

• Light and Refreshing: It’s the perfect salad to enjoy on a warm day or when you need a break from heavy meals. The fresh spinach and cranberries give it a bright, crisp taste that’s irresistible.
• Balance of Flavors: The sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta, and savory pasta come together for a delightful combination that is both satisfying and refreshing.
• Quick and Easy: This salad is a breeze to make with simple ingredients and minimal prep work. It’s great for busy days or when you need to throw something together last-minute.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste. Add more feta for a richer flavor, toss in some nuts for crunch, or throw in some grilled chicken for extra protein.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and delicious pasta salad:

For the Salad:

• Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the salad its bright, green color and fresh, earthy flavor.
• Pasta: Any short pasta will do—penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully in this salad.
• Feta Cheese: The creamy, tangy feta adds a deliciously rich flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet-tart punch that pairs beautifully with the savory feta and earthy spinach.
• Red Onion: A little bite from the red onion adds depth to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): Add a little crunch to the salad with some chopped walnuts or another nut of your choice.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A rich, healthy base for the dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tang and depth of flavor to the dressing.
• Honey: A touch of honey enhances the sweetness of the cranberries and balances the acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and enhancing the flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious salad? Follow these simple steps:

Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support! process and cool it down for the salad. Set it aside.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on your preferences. The dressing should have a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, cranberries, red onion, and feta cheese. If you’re adding walnuts, toss them in as well.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything. Make sure the dressing coats the pasta and the spinach leaves evenly.

Chill (Optional)

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, but if you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately!

How to Serve Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are some ideas for serving:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a light, balanced meal.
• Picnics or Potlucks: This salad is great for outdoor gatherings or as a contribution to potlucks. It’s easy to transport and always a hit!
• Quick Lunch: Toss some extra protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas into the salad to make it a more filling, standalone meal.
• Barbecue Side: The fresh, tangy flavors of this salad complement grilled meats and barbecued dishes perfectly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 10mg
  Sodium: 200mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 14g
  Protein: 8g
  Vitamin A: 40%
  Vitamin C: 15%
  Calcium: 10%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing before serving to keep the spinach fresh.
• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
• Swap Spinach: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to substitute with arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor profile.
• Customize the Nuts: If you’re not into walnuts, try adding toasted almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A2: Fresh cranberries are much more tart, so we recommend using dried cranberries for sweetness. However, if you do use fresh cranberries, consider adding a little extra honey to balance the tartness.

Q3: Can I add chicken to this salad?
A3: Absolutely! Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken would make a great addition to this salad for extra protein.

Q4: Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
A4: Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Yes, you can use any short pasta you like—farfalle, fusilli, or rotini would work great in this salad. Just be sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.

Q6: How can I make this salad gluten-free?
A6: Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta. You can find gluten-free penne or fusilli at most grocery stores.

Q7: Can I use a different dressing?
A7: Yes! You can use a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or even make a lemon-based dressing if you prefer something lighter.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?
A8: You can add a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños to add a bit of heat to the salad.

Q9: How long will leftovers last?
A9: Leftovers will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. However, the spinach may wilt over time, so it’s best to enjoy it within a day or two.

Q10: Can I add other fruits to the salad?
A10: Yes, you can easily add other fruits like sliced apples, grapes, or orange segments to this salad for extra flavor and color.

Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries! It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion and will have everyone coming back for more.

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