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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare bowtie pasta by following the package instructions, then drain and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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