If you’ve been searching for a refreshing, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, look no further than this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe. It’s a colorful celebration of textures, from the tender pasta to the crisp freshness of spinach, the juicy bursts of cranberries, and the salty creaminess of feta cheese, all tied together with a luscious homemade dressing. This salad is not just a side; it’s a showstopper that brings brightness and warmth to any table, making it an instant favorite for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe plays a crucial role. The combination is brilliantly simple but essential, with every element adding its own unique note—be it texture, color, or flavor—that makes this salad sing.
- 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta: Choose rotini, penne, or bowtie for the perfect bite and excellent sauce-holding texture.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Freshness and a lovely pop of green, providing a nutritious, tender crunch in every forkful.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Sweet and slightly tart, these little jewels bring brightness and chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and tangy, feta adds richness and depth to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild bite and vibrant color without overwhelming the palate.
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional): For that irresistible crunch and a hint of nuttiness that elevates the salad.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, contributing smoothness and subtle fruity flavor.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds gentle acidity and sweetness, perfectly balancing the dressing.
- 1 tbsp honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness to enhance the cranberries.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a slight kick and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the pasta until it reaches al dente is key — you want it tender but with a bit of bite so it holds up perfectly in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. This cooling step also helps keep the pasta firm and prevents it from becoming mushy, setting the perfect texture foundation for our salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cools, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the dressing is smooth and perfectly blended. This dressing is the magic behind the salad — bright, sweet, tangy, and a little savory — it brings the ingredients to life and ties them all together in one harmonious bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a spacious bowl, combine the cooled pasta, freshly chopped spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and thinly sliced red onion. This is where all the gorgeous colors and textures come together. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything so every piece is lovingly coated without bruising the delicate spinach.
Step 4: Add Optional Crunch
If you love a bit of crunch to contrast the soft pasta and creamy cheese, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the salad. Not only do they add texture, but their toasty nuttiness deepens the flavor profile, making the Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
You can serve the salad immediately if you’re eager to dig in, but refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to marry beautifully. This resting time lets the dressing soak into the pasta and spinach, creating a more cohesive and vibrant flavor experience.
How to Serve Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider adding freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley. They introduce a fragrant freshness that lifts the salad even higher. A few extra crumbles of feta or an additional sprinkle of nuts can make the presentation feel more deliberate and inviting—always a bonus when serving friends or family.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even herb-roasted vegetables. Its bright and tangy nature makes it versatile enough to complement a wide variety of mains, turning any meal into something special while keeping it light and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe in individual mason jars for a charming, portable option perfect for picnics or lunches on the go. You can also scoop it into colorful lettuce cups for a fresh and fun appetizer. Play with edible flowers or pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top to add a pop of color and festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Its flavors actually improve after resting overnight, so leftovers are perfect for next-day lunches or snacking. Consume within two days for ideal freshness, as spinach can start to wilt and the pasta might absorb too much dressing over time.
Freezing
Due to its fresh ingredients and crisp texture, freezing this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe is not recommended. The spinach and cheese may lose their vibrant texture and flavor, and the cranberries could become tough. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated for short-term.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, gently bring it to room temperature, but avoid using heat, which may wilt the spinach and alter the freshness of the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While fresh spinach is wonderfully tender and mild, baby kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens can all be excellent substitutes. Just be mindful that stronger greens like kale might require chopping finely to blend seamlessly with the pasta and dressing.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie are ideal because their curves and ridges hold onto the dressing and mix-ins beautifully. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber if you’re aiming for a healthier twist.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
In its original form, this recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily swap it with a plant-based feta or omit it altogether and still enjoy a delightful Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe packed with flavor and texture.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
From start to finish, this salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a quick, wholesome meal or an easy side dish when you’re short on time but crave something refreshing and satisfying.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This salad actually benefits from a little time in the fridge—30 minutes to an hour is perfect for flavors to meld nicely. You can prepare it fully the day before your event, just remember to toss again before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to brighten up my day or gathering. Its vibrant colors, the playful mix of sweet and savory, and the ease of putting it together make it such a joy to prepare and share. I can’t wait for you to make it and see how it becomes a beloved staple in your own recipe collection.
Print
Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant spinach pasta salad featuring whole wheat pasta, fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta.
- Cool the Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Optional Nuts: If using, sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the salad for an added crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately, or for better flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- For crunch and flavor variation, toasted walnuts or pecans are optional but highly recommended.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated, making it convenient for meal prep.
- If storing, toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
