Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

The sun was shining brightly as I tossed together my vibrant spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries. The colors danced in the bowl, promising a taste adventure that would leave even the pickiest eaters craving more. With every bite, the creamy feta paired perfectly with the tangy cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that made me feel like a culinary maestro.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering. My cousin tried it skeptically but ended up eating half the bowl before I could blink This spinach pasta salad is not just a side dish; it’s an experience meant for picnics, potlucks, or just a sunny day when you crave something fresh and delicious.

I once served this masterpiece at a potluck where it outshined even the desserts. Who knew veggies could steal the show?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Look for bright green leaves without wilting for that fresh crunch in every bite.
• Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose your favorite shape; they hold onto dressing beautifully.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for high-quality cheese for maximum flavor impact.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart, these little gems bring joy to each mouthful.
• Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing’s overall richness.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; bottled juice just won’t cut it
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other ingredients beautifully.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add an exciting crunch if you’re feeling fancy

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified. The aroma will be irresistible

Toss in Spinach & Feta: In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Gently fold them together without crushing the cheese.

Add Cranberries & Nuts (if using): Sprinkle dried cranberries over the mixture along with any chopped nuts you decided to include. These tiny bursts of sweetness will keep you coming back for more

Combine Everything Together: Pour the dressing over your beautiful mixture of goodness and toss gently until everything is well coated in that zesty sauce.

Chill & Serve: For best results, let your creation chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle nicely

This vibrant spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is not just food; it’s happiness on a plate Enjoy it at your next gathering or simply as a satisfying lunch during those busy weekdays

Now go ahead—grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking Your taste buds will thank you later

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries, start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse it under cold water to cool. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing and chop vegetables for an efficient workflow.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries by adding roasted vegetables, nuts, or swapping out feta for goat cheese. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the flavors even further.

Storing & Reheating

Store the spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best served cold, so no reheating is necessary; just enjoy straight from the fridge.

Sometimes I look back on that potluck where I first served this salad. My friends practically licked the bowl clean, and I couldn’t stop smiling at their delighted faces.

FAQ

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Absolutely! Kale or arugula can be great alternatives in this salad.

How do I make this salad vegan?

Simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan version.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any short pasta shape like rotini or bowtie works wonderfully in this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries.

Print

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect dish for any occasion!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups cooked fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh spinach and crumbled feta, gently folding them together.
4. Add dried cranberries and nuts (if using) to the bowl.
5. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Customize by adding roasted vegetables or swapping feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for an extra flavor boost.