Fresh, sweet & tangy crowd-pleaser
This spinach pasta salad with feta and cranberries is the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weekday lunch. The tender pasta pairs beautifully with crisp spinach, creamy feta cheese, and chewy dried cranberries, all tossed in a light, zesty dressing. It’s a refreshing make-ahead dish that tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the stress. Simple, colorful, and full of flavor—this salad is guaranteed to become a favorite!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients List
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini), cooled
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly. - Prep the veggies
Chop spinach and finely dice the red onion. Keep everything bite-sized for easy eating 🥗 - Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, spinach, feta, cranberries, onion, and nuts. - Toss everything together
Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. - Chill before serving
Refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes for best flavor. The dressing soaks in beautifully 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Make ahead: Prep a few hours early for deeper flavor.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas make it more filling.
- Balance flavors: Add extra lemon juice if you prefer more tang.
🔄 Variations
- Swap feta for goat cheese
- Add cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness
- Use balsamic vinaigrette instead of lemon dressing
- Toss in avocado just before serving for creaminess
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen spinach can work.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, bowties, or penne holds the dressing well.
Is this salad served cold?
Yes, it’s best chilled or at room temperature.