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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and refreshing Spinach Pasta Salad with creamy feta cheese and tart dried cranberries, perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners. This easy-to-make salad features tender rotini pasta, fresh baby spinach, and a bright lemon-honey dressing for a delightful sweet-savory flavor balance.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Greens

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach

Cheese and Fruits

  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Vegetables

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  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 prevent the pasta from sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  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.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything until the pasta and greens are evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold water to rinse the pasta to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
  • Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to keep the salad light.
  • Use the freshest baby spinach for the best texture and color.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on tartness of cranberries to balance sweetness.
  • Chilling the salad enhances flavor blending and improves taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: spinach pasta salad, feta cheese salad, cranberry pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, quick lunch salad, gluten free pasta salad

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/spinach-pasta-salad-with-feta-and-cranberries/