Description

This Vibrant Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Sweet Cranberries is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side. Combining whole wheat pasta with fresh baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sliced almonds, it is dressed in a zesty lemon and honey Dijon mustard dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Whether served immediately or chilled, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta
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

Dressing Ingredients

3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tsp Honey
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and the honey is completely dissolved.
Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and finely diced red onion. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate components.
Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and greens are well coated with the dressing to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Chill for Flavor: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ingredients to marinate in the dressing.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Optionally, garnish with extra crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds for an attractive presentation and additional texture.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta.
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, omit the red onion or use less.
Sunflower seeds can be used instead of sliced almonds for a nut-free version.
To enhance creaminess, goat cheese can replace feta cheese.
The salad is best served chilled but can be eaten immediately after tossing.
Adjust lemon juice and honey amounts based on your taste preference for acidity and sweetness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling / No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean