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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Delicious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries combines fresh spinach, creamy feta, and sweet cranberries for a vibrant and crowd-pleasing dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini)
For the Salad
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach Choose bright, crispy leaves.
  • 1 cup dried cranberries Sweetness; can substitute with raisins or fresh fruits.
  • 1 cup feta cheese Crumble gently.
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans Toast for 3-4 minutes.
  • 1 small red onion Slice thinly; optional.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Preferred for robust flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice Choose according to preference.
  • 1 teaspoon honey Optional for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Optional for extra flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Drain and cool on a baking sheet.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in a bowl until combined.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the cooled pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta, walnuts, and onion.
  4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle dressing over the salad, gently mixing to coat all ingredients.
  5. Allow the Salad to Rest: Let it sit for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Toss again if needed and serve as a light meal or side dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep nuts separate until serving for crunch.

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