Description
Spinach Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and hearty dish made with pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, finished with creamy feta cheese. Perfect for lunch, a side dish, or meal prep.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, olives, and nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Swap feta with mozzarella balls or goat cheese for variation.
Use balsamic vinegar for a richer dressing flavor.
Top with sunflower seeds or crispy fried onions for crunch.
Substitute pasta with quinoa or couscous if preferred.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Drizzle extra olive oil or vinegar before serving if salad dries out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
