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Get The Product!A fresh breeze wafts through the kitchen as you take in the vibrant colors of this delightful dish. Spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries isn’t just a meal; it’s a burst of happiness on your plate, where chewy pasta meets tangy feta and sweet-tart cranberries in a harmonious dance of flavors.
Picture this: a sunny picnic spread out on a checkered blanket, laughter in the air as friends savor every bite of this delicious creation. This salad has been my go-to for gatherings since I once wowed my family at a summer barbecue—everyone kept asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make spinach pasta salad is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for any occasion
- Its vibrant colors are sure to catch the eye at any gathering
- The balance of savory feta and sweet cranberries creates an irresistible flavor combination that everyone will love
- It’s versatile enough to be served as a side or main dish!
I remember serving this dish during a family reunion; everyone was raving about how refreshing it tasted under the summer sun.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for tender young spinach leaves to ensure a light texture that complements the rest of the ingredients.
- Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose your favorite shape; fusilli holds onto dressing beautifully while penne adds heartiness.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide sweetness; look for plump ones without added sugars for better flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creamy tanginess; go for high-quality cheese for best results.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors—don’t use bottled juice if you can help it!
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; these basic spices elevate all other flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt just before tossing in your chosen pasta until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste-test until you find your perfect balance!
Toss in Spinach and Cranberries: Once drained and cooled slightly, combine cooked pasta with fresh spinach leaves and dried cranberries in a large mixing bowl.
Add Crumbled Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta over your colorful mixture. Use your hands gently to mix everything together without crushing the cheese.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your beautiful salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld those incredible flavors together perfectly.
Enjoy each delightful bite of this refreshing spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries—it’s sure to become one of your favorites
You Must Know
- This spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is a delightful balance of flavors
- The creamy feta mingles beautifully with the sweet cranberries, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing
- It’s perfect for any gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then toss it with sautéed spinach and other ingredients for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out feta for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for protein. Customize it to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy cold or reheat briefly in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- If you’re using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to plump them up
- Always rinse cooked pasta under cold water before adding it to the salad; this stops the cooking process and prevents clumping
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing!
Creating this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries turned into one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” moments when my friends raved about it.
FAQ
What can I substitute for feta in this salad?
Try goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make spinach pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just dress it right before serving to avoid sogginess.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pastas like rotini or penne are great choices for holding onto the dressing.
Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Enjoy a vibrant blend of flavors in this refreshing spinach pasta salad, featuring creamy feta and sweet cranberries—ideal for picnics or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups fusilli or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach leaves, and cranberries.
- Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine without breaking the feta.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
