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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Bright Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries Delight

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini) Short shapes recommended.
  • 6 cups Baby Spinach Fresh and crisp.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Substitute with raisins or fresh fruit if desired.
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Crumbled.
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans Toasted for enhanced flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Thinly sliced; can substitute with green onions.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can be substituted with avocado oil.
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon Juice Choose based on tanginess preference.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Optional.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Optional; can use yellow mustard.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Baking Sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Cool the Pasta: Spread rinsed pasta on a baking sheet and cool for about 10 minutes to prevent wilting spinach.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta, walnuts or pecans, and red onion.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss to coat evenly without breaking feta.
  6. Allow to Rest: Let salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 9gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Can be made a day in advance; keep nuts separate until serving to maintain crunch.

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