If you’re on the lookout for a dish that dazzles with color, flavor, and texture, look no further than this Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe. It’s a delightful medley where tender whole wheat pasta meets fresh baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, and sweet bursts of dried cranberries, all tied together with a bright, honey-lemon dressing. This salad is as nourishing as it is beautiful, perfect for a quick lunch, a side at dinner, or a potluck favorite that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brilliantly balances a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty pasta to the crunchy almonds, making this pasta salad an irresistible bowl of goodness.
- 8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta: Provides structure and heartiness; swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 6 cups Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds nutrition and freshness; ensure it’s dry to keep the salad crisp.
- 1 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese: Introduces creaminess and flavor; goat cheese is a lovely alternative if preferred.
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries: Offers a sweet chew; can be replaced with raisins or chopped dates for variety.
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds: Contributes a satisfying crunch; opt for sunflower seeds for nut-free options.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion: Provides a sharp bite; omit for a milder taste.
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil: Rich base for the dressing, enhancing flavor throughout the salad.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish; adjust amount for personal acidity preference.
- 1 tsp Honey: Balances the dressing’s tang with sweetness; agave syrup can work as a substitute.
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard: Adds depth; whole grain mustard can change the texture beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning; personalize to taste for a perfect finish.
- Pepper: Essential for seasoning; personalize to taste for a perfect finish.
How to Make Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and keep the texture just right for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cools, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is the magic glue that balances zest, sweetness, and subtle spice, bringing all the salad’s ingredients to life with each bite.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a generously sized mixing bowl, blend the cooled pasta with baby spinach, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and finely chopped red onion. Handle everything gently so the spinach stays crisp and the feta pieces keep their delightful crumbly charm.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing and Chill
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined ingredients, then toss delicately to coat every bite evenly. For optimum flavor melding, pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes — patience here rewards you with a superb taste harmony.
Step 5: Final Touch Before Serving
Just before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss. For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, scatter some additional crumbled feta and sliced almonds on top. This finishing flourish invites guests to dive right into a bowl that looks every bit as delicious as it tastes.
How to Serve Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper elevate this salad beautifully. A few extra lemon zest curls can also brighten up the presentation while enhancing that citrusy note already present in the dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, creating a balanced and colorful meal. For a vegetarian twist, serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some roasted vegetables for a filling combo that pleases every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or lunchbox option. Layering the ingredients can be visually striking, with dressing at the bottom to keep the spinach crisp until mealtime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad keeps well for up to 2 days, but spinach may start to wilt, so enjoy it fresh if possible for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
Because of the fresh greens and cheese, this pasta salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of spinach and feta can change unfavorably once frozen and thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, making reheating unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, gently bring it to room temperature before serving but avoid heating it in the microwave to preserve the textures of the spinach and feta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While whole wheat pasta gives a nutty flavor and hearty texture, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta, tri-color rotini, or even small shell pasta depending on your preference.
What if I don’t like feta cheese?
You can swap feta out for goat cheese or even a mild mozzarella. Each brings its own unique creaminess that complements the salad’s sweet and tangy components beautifully.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
The key is to make sure the spinach is thoroughly dried before mixing and to rinse and cool the pasta immediately after cooking. Also, tossing with the dressing just before serving or chilling helps maintain a crisp texture.
Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even crispy tofu cubes can add satisfying protein, turning this vibrant salad into a nourishing, well-rounded meal.
Are there any nut-free options for the almonds?
Yes! Sliced sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a similar crunch without the allergens, so you can keep that delightful texture without worry.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe with you feels like passing along a little sunshine in a bowl. It’s fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile — a dish that brightens up any mealtime with ease and elegance. I truly hope you give it a try and see how such simple ingredients can come together in such a spectacular way!
Print
Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring whole wheat pasta tossed with fresh baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy sliced almonds, and a zesty honey-lemon dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy meal that can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the taste.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta
- 6 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
- 1 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the honey is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, balanced dressing.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta, fresh baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and finely diced red onion. Toss gently to mix all components evenly without crushing the spinach or feta.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the dressing for maximum flavor distribution. For enhanced taste, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Optionally, garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds for an attractive presentation and added texture.
Notes
- Make sure the baby spinach is well dried to keep the salad crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dates if preferred.
- For a nut-free option, replace sliced almonds with sunflower seeds.
- If a milder onion flavor is desired, omit the red onion or soak it briefly in cold water before adding.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and texture.
