Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a bright, tangy, and refreshing dish that brings together fresh baby spinach, salty feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s tossed in a light vinaigrette that enhances every bite, making this salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a quick weekday lunch. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors
• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cooking
• Great for make-ahead lunches or gatherings
• Nutritious and satisfying without being heavy
• Can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature
• Customizable with different ingredients or dressings
• A great way to use up leftover pasta
• Kid- and crowd-friendly
• Vegetarian and easily made gluten-free
• Pairs well with proteins like chicken or chickpeas

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)
• Fresh baby spinach
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for crunch

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, feta, cranberries, and red onion.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Add sunflower seeds or nuts if using for added texture.
6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish or 4 as a main. Total time is about 30 minutes, including 10–15 minutes of prep and optional chilling.

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost
• Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier taste
• Toss in cherry tomatoes or cucumber for freshness
• Add avocado slices before serving for creaminess
• Use arugula or mixed greens in place of spinach
• Try a lemon vinaigrette instead of balsamic
• Include cooked quinoa for a grain-based twist
• Add toasted pecans or walnuts for depth
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed
• Stir in roasted sweet potatoes for a fall-inspired version

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The spinach may wilt slightly but will still taste great. Serve cold or at room temperature. This salad is not suitable for freezing, and reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the spinach and feta.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle holds the dressing and mix-ins well.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen spinach can work in a pinch.

Is this salad served cold?

Yes, it’s most often served chilled or at room temperature.

How do I keep the spinach from wilting?

Toss the dressing with the pasta first, then mix in the spinach just before serving if desired.

Can I use a different cheese?

Goat cheese or shredded mozzarella are good alternatives to feta.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

Try dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, or shredded carrots are all great options.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or chickpeas complement it beautifully.

Conclusion

Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries is a flavorful, colorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. With its delightful blend of textures and bright vinaigrette, it’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, a potluck, or a week of lunches, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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