Spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries 🍝🧀🍇

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a deliciously fresh and vibrant dish, perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side for any meal. The combination of tender pasta, fresh spinach, sweet cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts makes it a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli works well)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 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
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

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.
   • Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside to drain completely.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts or pecans, and red onion.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Toss the Salad:

   • Pour the dressing over the pasta and spinach mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the pasta and salad ingredients.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
   • Garnish with extra feta or nuts if desired, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to the salad.
• Variation: Swap the dried cranberries for raisins or cherry tomatoes for a different flavor twist.
• Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for warm weather meals or any occasion. Enjoy! 🥗🍴