Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

The aroma of a fresh spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries wafts through the kitchen, making your taste buds dance in anticipation. The vibrant colors of green spinach, bright red cranberries, and creamy white feta are not just visually appealing; they promise an explosion of flavor that’ll leave you craving more.

I remember the first time I made this dish at a potluck—everyone couldn’t stop talking about it It quickly became the star of the show alongside my aunt’s infamous three-bean casserole. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser that keeps them coming back for seconds.

Sharing this delight around friends brings joy as their forks hover over their plates, ready to dive into a bowl filled with deliciousness.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works best for its tender texture; look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Pasta: Use any short pasta like fusilli or rotini; these shapes catch all the dressings and toppings perfectly.
• Feta Cheese: Opt for block feta rather than crumbled; it adds creaminess when mixed into the warm pasta.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweetened dried cranberries bring a burst of flavor; choose unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives it richness; ensure your oil has a fruity aroma for the best results.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will brighten up the flavors; bottled juice can be too acidic.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning enhances all ingredients; adjust according to your taste preference.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Adding walnuts or pecans provides an extra crunch and depth; toast them lightly for more flavor.

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 a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Spinach: While the pasta cools, rinse fresh spinach leaves thoroughly in cold water. Shake off excess water and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: To the bowl with spinach, toss in cooled pasta along with crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries. If you’re using nuts, now’s their time to shine

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it—feel free to adjust seasoning as needed.

Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together until each piece is coated in that zesty goodness.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your beautiful spinach pasta salad into a serving dish. Garnish with additional feta or nuts if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature—it’s delightful either way

With each bite of this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries, you’ll experience layers of flavor that dance on your palate—sweetness from cranberries mingling beautifully with creamy feta while fresh spinach adds crispness. Whether you’re whipping this up for lunch or impressing guests at dinner parties, it’s sure to be adored by all who try it

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta in salted water until al dente, then cool it before combining with the fresh ingredients. This ensures everything melds beautifully without becoming soggy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out feta for goat cheese or add nuts for crunch. You can also throw in grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein to make it heartier.

Storing & Reheating

Store your spinach pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold; reheating isn’t recommended as it can wilt the spinach.

Sharing this dish at a potluck turned into a mini celebration when guests raved about how refreshing and delicious it was, making me feel like a culinary rock star.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach in the salad?

Using fresh spinach enhances flavor and texture, so it’s best to avoid frozen.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

The salad stays fresh for about three days when stored properly.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?

A light lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of spinach, feta, and cranberries beautifully.

Print

Delicious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in this refreshing spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries, a perfect blend of flavors ideal for any occasion. Enjoy its vibrant colors and delicious taste!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and cool under cold water.
2. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and place it in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add cooled pasta, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and optional walnuts to the bowl with spinach.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently fold until well combined.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg