Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Nutritious Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries. This delightful dish combines tender whole wheat pasta, crisp fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and sweet cranberries for a taste sensation that’s both healthy and satisfying. The crunchy sliced almonds add an irresistible texture, while a zesty lemon vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a wholesome lunch option, this salad is a celebration of color and flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Easy to prepare and loaded with nutrients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- 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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 7–9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, sliced almonds, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg