Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad

Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the rich flavors of feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts with tender pasta and fresh spinach. It makes a great side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or even a quick lunch.

Why Make This Recipe

This pasta salad is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of summer, and it’s packed with nutrients. The combination of ingredients offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. You can also make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

How to Make Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad

Making Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty dish ready in no time.

Ingredients:

8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
1 cup baby spinach
3/4 cup feta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta until it’s al dente. After cooking, rinse it under cold water and drain well.
Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, cubed feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
Dress & Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to combine, and top with black pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad

This pasta salad can be served as a light meal, a side dish, or even at gatherings. It pairs well with grilled meats and can be enjoyed alone as a nutritious lunch. For a topping twist, consider adding some sliced grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

How to Store Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving to refresh it.

Tips to Make Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Allow the pasta to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients to keep the spinach from wilting.
Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.

Variation

You can easily customize this salad to your taste. For instance, swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds, or use a different type of cheese like goat cheese. You can also substitute the dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apples for a fruity twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and mix in the vinaigrette right before serving for the best taste.

2. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan, you can use a vegan feta cheese substitute and replace the honey with maple syrup.

3. Can I use any type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne works well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Feta Cranberry Pasta Salad! It’s sure to be a favorite among family and friends.