In a world filled with delicious possibilities, imagine a dish bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the perfect balance of textures. Picture a spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries that dances on your taste buds like a joyful celebration of sunshine. The combination of tender pasta mingling with crisp spinach leaves, tangy feta cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries creates an irresistible dish that calls out for attention at picnics, potlucks, or even just a cozy dinner at home.

This delightful salad isn’t just about looking good; it’s about evoking memories too. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. My cousin Maeve took one look at it and exclaimed, “This looks like happiness in a bowl!” And boy was she right! It quickly became our go-to recipe for summer barbecues—who wouldn’t want to enjoy something so colorful while lounging in the sun?

I still chuckle every time I think about how everyone raced to grab seconds after the first serving disappeared faster than you can say “spinach.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they should be firm and free from wilting.
• Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli): These shapes hold onto the dressing perfectly; cook until al dente for the best texture.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble fresh feta for creamy pockets of flavor; it’s the secret ingredient that makes this dish sing.
• Cranberries (Dried): Sweet dried cranberries add a delightful chewiness; they’re like little bursts of joy in every bite.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it elevates the overall taste in this refreshing salad.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up; it’s like sunshine captured in a bottle.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors; adjust to your personal preference for taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Prepare the Spinach: While the pasta cooks, rinse fresh spinach thoroughly under cool water. Pat dry gently with paper towels before using.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, let it cool slightly before adding it to a large mixing bowl along with spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and dried cranberries.

Toss it All Together: Pour your dressing over the combined ingredients. Gently toss everything until well coated—don’t crush those beautiful feta chunks

Serve & Enjoy: Transfer your colorful creation into serving bowls or platters. Dig in immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

And there you have it—the ultimate spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is ready! Not only is this dish visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner tonight.

Whether you whip this up for an outdoor gathering or bring it along as your contribution to family meals, just know each bite will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe (which we all know is love sprinkled generously throughout).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente while gathering your fresh ingredients. Once drained, toss everything together quickly to maintain that vibrant freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for arugula or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar elevates the flavor beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Experiencing this dish for the first time was magical; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was at our summer picnic.

FAQ

What can I substitute for cranberries in this salad?

Try using raisins or chopped apples for a different sweet twist on this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and let all the flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?

You can omit the feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese to make this salad vegan-friendly while still delicious.

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Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Brighten your table with this refreshing spinach pasta salad featuring creamy feta and sweet cranberries—a perfect dish for summer gatherings that bursts with flavor and color.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool.
2. Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine without crushing the feta.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg