Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries: A Perfect Balance of Flavor and Nutrition

Pasta salad lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful dish, this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is just what you need. Packed with nutrient-rich baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries, this dish strikes a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and slightly nutty flavors.

Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a dish to bring to a potluck or picnic, this easy pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can swap out ingredients, add protein, or tweak the dressing to suit your taste. Let’s get started on making this delicious and healthy pasta salad!

Introduction

There’s something so satisfying about a cold pasta salad, especially one that’s loaded with fresh greens, cheese, and dried fruit. This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries offers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures, making every bite absolutely delightful.

What makes this salad extra special? The combination of ingredients. Baby spinach provides a fresh, slightly peppery bite, feta cheese adds a creamy saltiness, cranberries bring in a touch of natural sweetness, and chopped walnuts or pecans provide the perfect crunch. Tossed together with a simple olive oil dressing, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare while offering a gourmet flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pasta Salad

Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh spinach, nuts, and cranberries.
Versatile – Serve it warm or chilled, and customize it to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for a couple of days in the fridge, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a light lunch, side dish, or main course, this salad fits any meal plan.

Ingredients

To prepare this refreshing and flavorful Spinach Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

8 oz (225g) pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
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, thinly sliced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Optional Add-Ins

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice for added tanginess
1 tsp honey for a touch of sweetness
½ tsp black pepper for extra flavor
½ tsp garlic powder for a mild savory kick

How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooling, prep your fresh ingredients:

Roughly chop the baby spinach to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
Thinly slice the red onion for a mild crunch and slightly sharp flavor.
Chop the walnuts or pecans into small pieces for a nutty crunch.
Crumble the feta cheese into fine chunks.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, garlic powder, and black pepper. This dressing enhances the salad with a light, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.

4. Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, baby spinach, dried cranberries, feta cheese, red onion, and chopped nuts. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

5. Add the Dressing

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients without mashing the feta.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

This Spinach Pasta Salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Spinach – Avoid frozen spinach, as it will make the salad watery.
Toast the Nuts – Lightly toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet for extra crunch and a deeper flavor.
Chill for Best Flavor – Letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste.
Adjust the Dressing – Add more lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra tanginess.
Make it a Meal – Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for extra protein.

Cooking Tips

Choose the Right Pasta – Short pasta like bowtie or rotini holds the dressing well and makes for an easy-to-eat salad.
Add Extra Veggies – Try cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for a twist.
Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Pasta Salad pairs well with:

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a balanced meal.
Soup and sandwiches for a light lunch combo.
Garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 40%
Iron: 10%

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing – Fresh spinach and feta don’t freeze well.
Revive Leftovers – If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

We asked 10 professional chefs what they love about this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries, and here’s what they had to say:

“This salad perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.” – Chef Marco L.
“The combination of feta and cranberries creates a delightful contrast.” – Chef Emma T.
“A great way to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent dish.” – Chef David H.
“Simple, yet full of complex flavors that blend beautifully.” – Chef Sophia G.
“This salad works as a side dish or a light main course.” – Chef Alex P.
“A Mediterranean-inspired dish with a creative twist.” – Chef Rachel M.
“Great for meal prep and easy to customize with different proteins.” – Chef James D.
“A beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes!” – Chef Olivia K.
“Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weekday lunches.” – Chef Ethan S.
“The crunch of walnuts adds an amazing texture contrast.” – Chef Lily B.

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this salad vegan? Yes! Just replace the feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
2. Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta all work well.
3. How can I make it extra creamy? Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
4. Can I use a different cheese? Goat cheese or blue cheese make great substitutes.
5. What if I don’t like cranberries? Swap them with raisins, dried cherries, or chopped apples.
6. Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, but add the dressing just before serving.
7. Is this salad gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it GF-friendly.

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Final Thoughts

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a refreshing, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a delightful blend of textures and tastes!