Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This refreshing salad combines fresh baby spinach, whole wheat pasta, tangy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries to create a medley of textures and tastes. Ideal for busy weekdays or family gatherings, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packs a nutritional punch. Tossed with a zesty dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice, each bite is bursting with freshness. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a colorful side dish that complements your favorite entrees.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (rotini or bowtie)
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, almonds, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg