Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries: A Flavorful & Easy Dish for Busy Days

If your weeknight dinner rotation needs a refresh, this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is about to be your new best friend. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors that dance together beautifully—tender pasta, crisp spinach, creamy feta, and tart cranberries. Plus, it’s quick to throw together, making it perfect for busy moms, working professionals, or anyone who just wants a delicious meal without a ton of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
• Flavor-Packed – A mix of savory, sweet, and tangy goodness.
• Great for Gatherings – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great!)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. (No one likes mushy pasta!)

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooling, chop the spinach, dice the red onion, and crumble the feta. If using nuts, give them a quick chop for extra crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, feta, cranberries, red onion, and nuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Taste & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Spinach Pasta Salad

• Use Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best since it’s tender and not too bitter.
• Toast the Nuts: A quick toast in a dry pan enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
• Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Customize It: Swap cranberries for raisins, use goat cheese instead of feta, or try a honey mustard dressing for a different twist.

A Little Story: My Go-To Dish for Last-Minute Guests

This salad became a staple in my kitchen after an impromptu family visit left me scrambling for a dish to serve. With just a handful of ingredients on hand, I tossed this together, and it was an instant hit! Now, I always have the ingredients ready—because you never know when you’ll need a quick but impressive dish.

FAQs

Can I make this spinach pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

What’s the best pasta for this salad?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties work best since they hold the dressing well.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese or add avocado for creaminess.

This spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weekday lunch, a potluck, or just because you need an easy win in the kitchen, this salad won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it!

If your weeknight dinner rotation needs a refresh, this spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is about to be your new best friend. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavors that dance together beautifully—tender pasta, crisp spinach, creamy feta, and tart cranberries. Plus, it’s quick to throw together, making it perfect for busy moms, working professionals, or anyone who just wants a delicious meal without a ton of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
• Flavor-Packed – A mix of savory, sweet, and tangy goodness.
• Great for Gatherings – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and picnics.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work great!)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. (No one likes mushy pasta!)

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooling, chop the spinach, dice the red onion, and crumble the feta. If using nuts, give them a quick chop for extra crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, feta, cranberries, red onion, and nuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Taste & Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Spinach Pasta Salad

• Use Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best since it’s tender and not too bitter.
• Toast the Nuts: A quick toast in a dry pan enhances their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
• Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Customize It: Swap cranberries for raisins, use goat cheese instead of feta, or try a honey mustard dressing for a different twist.

A Little Story: My Go-To Dish for Last-Minute Guests

This salad became a staple in my kitchen after an impromptu family visit left me scrambling for a dish to serve. With just a handful of ingredients on hand, I tossed this together, and it was an instant hit! Now, I always have the ingredients ready—because you never know when you’ll need a quick but impressive dish.

FAQs

Can I make this spinach pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

What’s the best pasta for this salad?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties work best since they hold the dressing well.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese or add avocado for creaminess.

This spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weekday lunch, a potluck, or just because you need an easy win in the kitchen, this salad won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it!

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