Easy Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

If you’re craving a dish that balances vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of sweetness, you’ll adore this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries. It’s a refreshing and colorful salad that’s perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a light dinner. This recipe combines tender pasta, crisp spinach, creamy feta, and tart cranberries to create a harmony of tastes that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, yet how impressive it is both in flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Delightful Flavor Combo: The tart cranberries and salty feta create a wonderful sweet-savory contrast.
• Nutritious Boost: Packed with fresh spinach, this salad adds a fresh dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Meal: Works great as a side dish, lunch, or light dinner any time of the year.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The mix of colors from the ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From al dente pasta providing a hearty base, to fresh spinach for leafy freshness, every item enhances the dish’s taste and texture beautifully.

• Rotini Pasta: Twisted shapes hold onto the dressing and mix-ins perfectly.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds a mild, leafy crunch and vibrant green color.
• Feta Cheese: Brings a creamy, salty bite that balances the sweetness.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart, they add an exciting pop of flavor.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced to give a gentle sharpness without overpowering.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, flavorful dressing base.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity to lift all the flavors.
• Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that complements the cranberries.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to deepen the dressing’s complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all ingredients.

Variations for Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to tailor it to your tastes, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to mix and match the add-ins to make it your own.

• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra substance.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for texture and flavor.
• Green Swap: Substitute baby kale or arugula if you prefer a peppery green touch.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace feta with vegan cheese or omit it completely for a dairy-free version.
• Alternative Dressings: Experiment with balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing for new flavor profiles.

How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything until the pasta and greens are evenly coated, taking care not to bruise the spinach leaves.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

• Use cold water to rinse the pasta: This stops the cooking and prevents the noodles from clumping.
• Don’t overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to keep the salad light and fresh.
• Fresh is best: Use the freshest spinach possible for the crispest texture and bright color.
• Customize the sweetness: Adjust the honey based on the tartness of your cranberries for perfect balance.
• Let it rest: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to deepen and blend for a tastier result.

How to Serve Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Garnishes

Top the salad with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, and a few additional dried cranberries for a pretty and flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or as a fresh complement to summer BBQ meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad layered in clear glass bowls for parties, or portion into individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnic treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may absorb dressing and soften slightly, so stirring before serving helps refresh the texture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing because the spinach and feta can change texture after thawing.

Reheating

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Let it sit out for 10 minutes if taken straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! Small shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work well because they hold the dressing and ingredients nicely.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute the pasta with a gluten-free version to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

It’s best enjoyed within 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator in a covered container.

Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries and feta.

What’s the best way to keep spinach from wilting?

Use baby spinach, rinse and dry thoroughly, and toss gently with the dressing just before serving or chilling to maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or bringing it to a summer gathering, it promises fresh bites full of color and taste that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to salad!

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