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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries
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A vibrant and refreshing Spinach Pasta Salad with tangy feta cheese and sweet dried cranberries, combined with crisp red onion and a light lemon olive oil dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal or a colorful side dish, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped if large
  • 2 cups dry pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli recommended)
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, generally about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the spinach and onion: While the pasta cools, wash and thoroughly dry the fresh spinach to avoid sogginess. Roughly chop if leaves are large. Finely slice the red onion to add a crisp sharpness to the salad.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing is light and enhances the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, spinach, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve refreshingly cool.

Notes

  • Use dry pasta and rinse it after cooking to prevent stickiness and better absorb the dressing.
  • Dry spinach thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad.
  • If adding nuts, toast them lightly separately to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Adjust salt carefully as feta cheese is naturally salty; taste before adding extra.
  • Prepare the salad a few hours ahead if possible, as the flavors improve after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach pasta salad, feta salad, cranberry pasta salad, quick pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, easy summer salad

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