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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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! 🥗🍴
