Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

While the pasta is cooking and cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Gently rinse and dry the fresh spinach. Chop it if you’d like smaller pieces, or leave it in larger, rustic leaves for more texture.

Next, toast the nuts: In a small dry skillet, toast the pecans (or walnuts) over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even toasting. This step brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of the nuts.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can add a little extra vinegar. For a sweeter version, increase the honey slightly. Mix until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.

4. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and the toasted nuts. If you’re using red onion, add it now for an extra bite.

5. Toss and Serve:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it’s well combined and coated. If the salad feels a bit dry, feel free to add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to loosen it up. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pasta Salad:

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet and tart cranberries, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and tender spinach make every bite an exciting explosion of flavors and textures. The addition of pasta makes it satisfying without being heavy, so it’s the perfect light yet filling dish.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, this salad is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The cranberries offer a boost of vitamin C, while the feta and nuts provide protein and healthy fats. Plus, the homemade balsamic dressing is light and flavorful, giving this salad an extra healthy kick.
3. Quick and Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this salad is a breeze to put together. The pasta can be cooked in advance and the rest of the ingredients are quick to chop and toss. This makes it a great dish for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Customizable: This salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your preferences—try using goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier option, or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor. You can also add some protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it a more substantial meal.
5. Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch, a barbecue, or a festive gathering, this Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a crowd-pleasing dish that works in any setting. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients also make it a beautiful addition to any dinner table.

Tips for Perfecting Your Spinach Pasta Salad:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure to cook it al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and holds up well in the salad.
• Make it Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even more. Just wait to add the spinach until shortly before serving to prevent it from wilting.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or even mint would complement the flavors in the salad nicely. Just chop them up and toss them in for an extra layer of freshness.
• For a Vegan Version: Simply swap the feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or leave it out entirely, and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing.
• Add Protein: If you want to make this a more filling main dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad for a boost of protein.

Final Thoughts:

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy, with just the right amount of crunch and creaminess. It’s a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that’s sure to impress at any meal. Whether served as a side, a light lunch, or a main course with added protein, this salad is a winner every time. With vibrant ingredients and an easy-to-make dressing, it’s a must-try recipe that will become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

So, the next time you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-packed salad, grab some spinach, pasta, and feta—and whip up this simple yet delicious salad. You won’t regret it!