Zesty Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta & Cranberries Recipe

My kitchen adventures recently uncovered a delightful spinach pasta salad that blends Mediterranean flavors with unexpected cranberry sweetness.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across each colorful plate, creating magic beyond standard salad expectations.

Fresh spinach leaves curl around tender pasta shapes, inviting delicious exploration.

Tangy feta cheese crumbles add sharp contrasts against soft pasta textures.

Cranberries burst with surprising brightness, connecting every ingredient through subtle sweet-savory notes.

Crisp vegetables provide delightful crunch, making each bite feel like a refreshing culinary journey.

You won’t believe how quickly this simple combination becomes a meal everyone requests seconds of.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, arugula, walnuts, and feta cheese, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to boost the protein content and make it a more substantial meal.

• What makes the dressing special?

The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy dressing that complements the salad’s ingredients perfectly.

Spinach Pasta Salad: Brightened with Feta & Cranberries

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta salad takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with spinach, arugula, and walnuts, the recipe delivers a serious dose of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in every delicious bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works brilliantly as a side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch that satisfies both vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or what's in your pantry, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients Used in Spinach Pasta Salad

• Bowtie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds dressing well and provides a fun texture to the salad.

• Spinach, Arugula: Fresh, nutrient-rich greens that add color and peppery flavor to the salad.

• Cranberries, Golden Raisins, Walnuts: Sweet and crunchy mix that brings texture and balanced flavor with a pop of brightness.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a creamy, salty element to the salad.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich, slightly sweet vinegar that forms the base of the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener to balance the vinegar's acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, complex flavor to the dressing.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend and emulsify the dressing ingredients.

Assembling Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta & Cranberries

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook bowtie pasta following package instructions.

Once done, drain and let the pasta cool down completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Build Vibrant Salad Base

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Peppery arugula
• Sweet dried cranberries
• Golden raisins
• Crunchy walnuts
• Crumbly feta cheese

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Tangy balsamic vinegar
• Golden honey
• Sharp Dijon mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Extra virgin olive oil

Whisk everything together until the dressing transforms into a smooth, unified mixture.

Step 4: Marry Salad Components

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Use gentle tossing motions to ensure every ingredient gets a luxurious coating of dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp experience.

Alternatively, pop it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify.

The choice is yours!

Cold Pasta Salad Tips With Spinach & Feta

• Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping, ensuring each pasta piece remains separate and tender.
• Swap feta for vegan cheese alternatives or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Prepare dressing separately and add just before serving to keep spinach crisp and prevent wilting, maintaining the salad's vibrant texture and appearance.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet before adding to intensify their nutty taste and provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Store dressing and salad ingredients separately in the refrigerator, combining them right before serving to preserve optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

Pasta Salad With Feta That Tastes Just Made

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the salad fresh and crisp.
• Keep remaining dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, which helps prevent the pasta and greens from becoming soggy.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, gently toss the salad and add a splash of fresh dressing to revive the flavors and texture.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the spinach, arugula, and feta will lose their quality and become mushy when thawed.

Light Sides For Spinach Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's tangy feta and sweet cranberries.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Add succulent grilled chicken or salmon to transform this salad into a complete, satisfying meal with balanced nutrition.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious balsamic vinaigrette and add delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Fresh Fruit: Serve a side of green apple slices or fresh berries to enhance the salad's bright, sweet flavor profile and provide additional crunch.

Spinach Pasta Salad Ingredient Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for dressing and ensure all components are free from gluten contamination.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute feta cheese with dairy-free crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Keep the dressing and other ingredients the same. Increase nut and seed content for added texture and nutrition.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add grilled chicken or shredded lamb. Include kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and fresh oregano. Use Greek yogurt as a potential dressing base for added creaminess.

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta & Cranberries Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Spinach Pasta Salad sparkles with tangy feta and sweet cranberries, creating a light yet satisfying dish. Crisp greens, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing blend perfectly for a refreshing meal you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Greens:

• 1 lb (454 grams) bowtie pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups arugula

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) golden raisins
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) walnut halves

Cheese and Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare bowtie pasta by following the package instructions, then drain and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, layer the cooled pasta with fresh spinach leaves, peppery arugula, tart cranberries, sweet golden raisins, crunchy walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Create the vinaigrette by whisking balsamic vinegar, golden honey, zesty Dijon mustard, freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt, and extra virgin olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, glossy dressing.
4. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture, using gentle folding motions to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated without breaking the delicate pasta or bruising the tender greens.
5. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, or serve immediately if preferred at room temperature.

Notes

• Swap pasta types for gluten-free diets by using quinoa, rice, or legume-based alternatives that maintain similar texture and hold dressing well.
• Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile for the salad.
• Prepare dressing in advance and store separately to maintain salad’s crispness, preventing soggy greens and preserving ingredient textures.
• Customize protein levels by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a more substantial meal that increases nutritional value and satisfies hunger.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg