Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

 Description

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a refreshing blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Tender pasta is tossed with fresh baby spinach, chewy dried cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy nuts, all brought together with a simple olive oil dressing. It’s perfect as a light meal, side dish, or make-ahead salad for gatherings.

 Servings

4 servings

 Time

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: ~20 minutes

 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Optional additions:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for balance)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare ingredients
   Wash and dry spinach. Slice red onion thinly and chop nuts if needed.
3. Make the dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk olive oil with optional lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey if desired.
4. Assemble the salad
   In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta, nuts, and red onion.
5. Toss & serve
   Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined. Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

 Tips

• Lightly toast the nuts for deeper flavor
• Add dressing just before serving to keep spinach fresh
• Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
• Soak red onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness
• Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal

 Notes

• Can be made vegetarian (as is) or vegan by skipping feta or using a plant-based alternative
• Stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Great for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep

 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 320–400 kcal
• Protein: 9–12 g
• Carbohydrates: 35–45 g
• Fat: 16–22 g
• Fiber: 3–5 g

(Varies depending on ingredients used)

 Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from spinach and cranberries
• Healthy fats from olive oil and nuts support heart health
• Good source of calcium from feta cheese
• Balanced energy from carbs, fats, and protein
• Supports digestion with fiber-rich ingredients

 Q&A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store dressing separately and mix before serving for best texture.

Q: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie holds the dressing well.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead?
Dried cranberries are recommended for sweetness; fresh ones may be too tart.

Q: How can I make it vegan?
Replace feta with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.

Q: What protein can I add?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or even tuna work well.