If you’re looking for a delightful dish that bursts with flavor and is oh-so-easy to make, you’ve found it! This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries has become a staple in my home. Whether it’s for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this salad never fails to impress. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and sweet cranberries creates a beautiful harmony of tastes and textures that everyone loves.

What I adore about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish at barbecues or enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and let those flavors mingle in the fridge, saving you time when you’re busy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can have this delicious salad ready in no time.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the colorful ingredients and tasty flavors.
Make-ahead convenience: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Versatile options: Feel free to mix in other ingredients or substitutes to suit your taste buds!
Fresh and wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries. Each one contributes to the vibrant flavors that make this dish so special!

Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the cheese: If you want a different flavor profile, replace feta with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Add nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some walnuts or pecans to give your salad a delightful texture.
Mix up the greens: Feel free to add arugula or kale along with the spinach for more variety.
Include protein: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein—perfect if you’re looking for a heartier meal!

How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. This step is crucial because it ensures your pasta has just the right amount of bite. Once cooked, drain it well and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Rinse the Spinach

While the pasta cools, rinse your fresh spinach under cold water. Give it a good shake or spin in a salad spinner to remove any excess moisture. This keeps your salad crisp and refreshing!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Gently toss everything together; you want each bite to have a little bit of everything!

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds a zesty kick that brings all the flavors of your salad together beautifully.

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

Drizzle the dressing over your pasta salad while tossing gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Give it a taste test and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

And there you have it—a vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries that’s sure to delight! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Making a delicious spinach pasta salad is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality feta cheese make a huge difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients not only taste better, but they also enhance the nutritional value of your salad.
Cook Pasta Perfectly: Aim for al dente pasta to avoid a mushy texture. Overcooked pasta can lead to a less appealing salad, so keep an eye on the cooking time—check it at the lower end of the suggested range.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together. This makes each bite more flavorful and refreshing, especially on warm days.
Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to customize your salad! Adding roasted nuts or extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers can provide additional crunch and nutrition.
Dress Right Before Serving: To keep your salad fresh and crisp, dress it just before serving. This prevents wilting and ensures that every bite is perfectly coated in dressing.

How to Serve Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Serving your spinach pasta salad beautifully can enhance its appeal at any gathering. Here are some ideas on how to present this vibrant dish!

Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests who want an extra squeeze of citrus to brighten up their salad.
Toasted Nuts: A handful of toasted walnuts or almonds sprinkled on top can add both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection offer a protein-packed complement that pairs nicely with the lightness of the salad.
Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze provides a colorful contrast and balances well with the flavors in the pasta salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add depth and earthy flavors that work beautifully alongside your refreshing dish.
Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips makes for a delightful appetizer that will keep guests satisfied while they enjoy their meal.

With these serving suggestions, your Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you anticipate leftovers, consider dressing only the portion you plan to serve immediately to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it:
Freeze the pasta and cranberries separately from the spinach and feta.
Store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to a month.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

For best results, serve this salad cold or at room temperature.
If you’ve refrigerated it, simply toss it gently before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Avoid reheating as the spinach may wilt and affect the texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries.

Can I make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day ahead; just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to ensure everything stays fresh.

What can I substitute for feta in Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries?

If you’re looking for alternatives, goat cheese makes a great substitute. You can also add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch!

How long does Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last up to three days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other ingredients to my Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or even include protein sources like chickpeas for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this vibrant spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delightful way to celebrate fresh ingredients and bring people together. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or enjoying it as a light lunch, this dish is bound to brighten your day. Happy cooking!