Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Picture this: a vibrant, flavorful pasta salad bursting with fresh spinach, creamy feta, and sweet cranberries, all coated in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. This Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad

This delightful pasta salad is more than just a feast for your taste buds; it’s incredibly convenient and packed with goodness. Prepare to fall in love with its many wonderful features!

• Effortlessly Quick: You can whip up this entire Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The tangy lemon, savory feta, and sweet cranberries create an irresistible flavor profile that truly sings.
• Visually Stunning: Its vibrant greens, pops of red, and creamy white feta make this salad a colorful addition to any table.
• Packed with Nutrients: Fresh spinach, whole wheat pasta, and healthy fats ensure a nourishing meal.
• Incredibly Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for lunches throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, loved by adults and kids alike for its fresh and light appeal.

Ingredients Needed for this Fresh Pasta Salad

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries. Each component plays a vital role in its fantastic flavor and texture.

• 8 oz (225g) whole wheat pasta: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne that hold the dressing well. Whole wheat adds fiber!
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach: Opt for crisp, dark green leaves. Baby spinach works beautifully for its tender texture.
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese: Look for good quality feta, preferably packed in brine, for the best tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries: These add a lovely chewiness and sweet counterpoint. Make sure they are soft and plump.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil will elevate the dressing.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for that bright, zesty kick.
• 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard: This acts as an emulsifier and adds a subtle tang.
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt: Essential for seasoning the salad and dressing.
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts: These add a wonderful crunch and healthy fats.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Spinach Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing – A light and refreshing pasta salad packed with plant-based protein!

Essential Equipment for a Perfect Pasta Salad

You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets to make this delicious Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick!

• • Large pot: For cooking the pasta to perfect al dente tenderness.
  • Colander: Absolutely essential for draining and cooling your pasta quickly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spills.
  • Small bowl and whisk: Perfect for effortlessly emulsifying your zesty lemon-Dijon dressing.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Spinach Pasta Salad

Creating this flavorful pasta salad is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente, offering a slight bite.
2. Promptly drain the cooked pasta using a colander. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps the salad stay fresh.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Components

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta, the vibrant fresh spinach, the creamy crumbled feta cheese, and the sweet, chewy dried cranberries. Ensure all elements are distributed evenly.

Step 3: Whisk the Zesty Dressing

1. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the rich olive oil, bright lemon juice, pungent Dijon mustard, savory salt, and fragrant black pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preference.

CHECK OUT: Feta and cranberry chickpea salad with lemon vinaigrette – Another fantastic salad pairing feta and cranberries with a zesty dressing.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

1. Pour the freshly made dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and every leaf of spinach is coated evenly with the tangy dressing.
2. Before serving, sprinkle the crunchy chopped walnuts generously over the top.
3. Serve your Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!

Tips for Success with this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad

Achieve pasta salad perfection with these expert tips!

• Al Dente is Key: Always cook your pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when dressed.
• Cool Quickly: Rinsing the pasta under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking and prevents sticking, keeping the texture perfect for a cold salad.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant dressing flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
• Let it Mingle: While delicious immediately, allowing the salad to chill for 30 minutes to 2 hours lets the flavors truly deepen and meld.
• Season to Taste: Don’t be shy about tasting the dressing and adjusting salt and pepper before tossing with the salad.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and adapt this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad to your liking!

• Gluten-Free: Simply swap the whole wheat pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
• Add Protein: Boost the protein by adding grilled chicken, canned chickpeas, or white beans.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Nut Swaps: Pecans or slivered almonds can be used in place of walnuts.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Herbaceous Twist: A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley can add another layer of fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and occasions.

• Serve it as a light lunch all on its own, perhaps with a crusty piece of whole-grain bread.
• It makes an excellent side dish for grilled lean protein like chicken, fish, or beef.
• Pair it with a light, clear vegetable soup for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Enjoy it alongside a refreshing glass of sparkling water infused with lemon and mint.
• It’s absolutely perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or picnic spreads, adding a fresh contrast to richer dishes.

Health Benefits of this Spinach Pasta Salad

Beyond its delicious taste, this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad offers a wealth of health advantages, making it a smart choice for any meal.

• High in Fiber: With 6g of fiber per serving from whole wheat pasta, spinach, and cranberries, it supports healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full.
• Good Source of Protein: Providing 12g of protein, this salad helps with muscle maintenance and satiety.
• Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Spinach contributes essential vitamins K and A, while feta offers calcium.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and walnuts provide beneficial monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health.
• Lower Sodium: At 380mg per serving, it’s a mindful choice for those monitoring sodium intake.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad remains delicious and safe to eat.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time.
• Best Served Chilled: This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. No reheating is necessary!
• Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the fresh spinach and delicate pasta texture, this salad does not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
• Refreshing Before Serving: If the salad has been sitting for a while, a quick stir and perhaps a tiny drizzle of extra lemon juice or olive oil can refresh the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Pasta Salad

Can I prepare this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta salad actually benefits from chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle are ideal as they hold the dressing and other ingredients well. Whole wheat varieties add a great nutritional boost.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to customize with your favorite additions. Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even blanched broccoli florets would be delicious in this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad.

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?

This recipe uses whole wheat pasta, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the whole wheat pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta alternative.

How long does this spinach pasta salad last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

What if I don’t like feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy profile, or use small cubes of fresh mozzarella for a milder, creamier alternative. For a dairy-free option, simply omit it.

More Delicious Dishes to Try

Looking for more fresh, vibrant, and satisfying recipes? Explore these other delightful options that are perfect for any occasion!

• Chickpea Spinach Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Enjoy a hearty, wholesome salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors and texture.
• Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad – A delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for a refreshing side or light lunch.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Almonds and Balsamic – Discover a classic combination of sweet berries, fresh greens, and a tangy dressing.

Conclusion

This Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of taste, texture, and health benefits. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious – a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration.

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