If you are looking for a dish that beautifully combines vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful mix of textures, the Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad is a celebration of tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and tender baby spinach, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s fresh, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to dish for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner that feels special and satisfying. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become one of my favorite salads to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this salad might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in making this dish sing. From the tender pasta that brings heartiness to the crisp spinach leaves and the sweet-tart cranberries, the balance of flavors and textures is unforgettable.
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta: These shapes hold the dressing and mix-ins beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach: Fresh and tender, it adds vivid green color and a nutritious boost.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Their natural sweetness contrasts perfectly with the tangy cheese.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty creaminess that is integral to the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion: Provides a sharp bite and a pop of purple for visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Toast them lightly for extra crunch and depth.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The backbone of the dressing that lovingly coats every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that lifts the whole salad.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the vinegar with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing subtle complexity and a hint of spice.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and bring everything together.
How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a little bite. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. This step ensures your salad won’t get mushy and will stay fresh and light.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped red onion, and nuts if you’re using them. This is where the magic starts, blending sweet, savory, and fresh components for a balanced dish.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Next, mix the dressing ingredients. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened. This dressing is flavorful but light, complementing the salad without overpowering it.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every ingredient evenly. Your Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe is ready to enjoy immediately, or you can refrigerate it for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta and some extra dried cranberries on top for that final pop of flavor and color. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can also add a fragrant touch and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or alongside crusty artisan bread to soak up the zesty dressing. For a vegetarian gathering, pair it with stuffed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in pretty glass bowls or mason jars for an inviting, casual look at picnics or potlucks. You might also create individual portions in small cups or bowls for easy grab-and-go enjoyment at parties or lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the spinach fresh and crisp, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving if you plan to store it for a while.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because the fresh spinach and dressing will lose their texture and flavor. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Because it’s a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply give your leftovers a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and serve chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or bowtie pasta works best for holding all the yummy bits and dressing, penne or farfalle are also great alternatives that will add a different texture and look to your salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
The feta cheese makes this salad vegetarian but not vegan. To make it vegan-friendly, you can substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether while ramping up the nuts for more protein and texture.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
This spinach pasta salad tastes best within 3 days of preparation. The freshness of the spinach and cranberries is key, so try to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas will add heartiness and make this salad a satisfying main course. Just toss your protein of choice in with the other salad ingredients before dressing.
Do the nuts have to be toasted?
Toasting nuts is optional but highly recommended. Toasted walnuts or pecans bring out a deeper flavor and add a lovely crunch that balances the softness of the pasta and cheese beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe enough—it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfectly suited for so many occasions, this salad gives you a refreshing combination of flavors and textures that will make you want to come back for seconds. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight meal or an impressive potluck contribution, this recipe is a keeper you’ll cherish and share for years to come.
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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Spinach Pasta Salad featuring tender rotini pasta, fresh baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty homemade dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, combining vibrant flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
Cheese and Nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, preventing it from sticking together.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and the chopped nuts if using.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for a fresh texture, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead by preparing the salad components, but add the dressing just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken to transform this salad into a hearty main dish.
- Toast nuts before adding for extra crunch and enhanced flavor.
