Description
This Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries is a fresh, nutritious, and colorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Combining whole wheat pasta with baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, chewy dried cranberries, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a zesty lemon-honey Dijon dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a wholesome and satisfying recipe ideal for warm days or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Greens
- 8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta
- 6 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (dry)
Cheese and Nuts
- 1 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sliced Almonds
Dried Fruit and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the dressing is fully blended and the honey is completely dissolved, creating a smooth and flavorful vinaigrette.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, fresh baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and finely diced red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them evenly without crushing the delicate components.
- Add Dressing & Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until all the pasta and greens are thoroughly coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Chill & Marinate: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Final Toss & Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. Optionally, garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds to enhance presentation and add extra texture.
Notes
- To keep the salad crisp, ensure the baby spinach is dry before mixing.
- Substitute whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta if desired.
- For a nuttier flavor and texture, consider toasting sliced almonds lightly before adding.
- If you prefer a milder salad, omit the red onion or reduce the quantity.
- Honey in dressing can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
