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 salad is a colorful medley of fresh ingredients, featuring whole wheat pasta, nutrient-rich baby spinach, tangy feta cheese, and sweet cranberries. The combination delivers not only a mouthwatering taste but also a wealth of health benefits. With its refreshing profile, this salad makes an excellent choice for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- 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 8 oz whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 6 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg