Spinach Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spinach Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and healthy dish that combines the hearty goodness of pasta with fresh spinach, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings like BBQs, picnics, or potlucks, but can also be enjoyed year-round as a side dish or light meal. The best part? It’s customizable, so you can easily add your favorite ingredients like cheese, nuts, or even grilled chicken to make it even heartier. This easy-to-make pasta salad is not only full of flavor but also a great way to get your greens in without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie work best)

• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente to maintain a bit of bite in the salad. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using black olives and feta, prepare those as well.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Add cheese and garnish: If desired, crumble feta cheese over the salad and toss lightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

6. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for 1-2 hours before serving for an even better flavor.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

• Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to the salad for extra protein.

• Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using mozzarella, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different twist.

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle jalapeño slices over the salad for a spicy kick.

• Nuts and seeds: Add toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch and healthy fats.

• Roasted vegetables: For extra flavor, roast some vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and add them to the salad.

Storage

• Storage: This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or any other pasta of your choice. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, so preparing it a few hours in advance—or even the night before—is a great idea.

Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?

Absolutely! If you don’t have spinach, you can use arugula, kale, or even mixed greens. Just keep in mind that some greens, like kale, may need to be massaged with a bit of olive oil to soften them before adding them to the salad.

How do I make the dressing more creamy?

If you prefer a creamier dressing, add 2-3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing mixture. This will make it thicker and richer while still keeping the tanginess.

Can I add other veggies to this salad?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, avocados, or even roasted sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Spinach Pasta Salad is a refreshing, versatile dish that can be served as a light main course or a flavorful side dish. Packed with colorful vegetables, tangy dressing, and the goodness of spinach, this salad is as healthy as it is tasty. With endless ways to customize it based on your preferences, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite!

Spinach Pasta Salad

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Side Dish, Salad
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian

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Description

Spinach Pasta Salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with vibrant vegetables, spinach, and a tangy dressing. It’s a versatile, customizable dish that works as a side or main course for any occasion. Whether served at picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

• For the salad:
• 12 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie work best)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• For the dressing:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente to maintain a bit of bite in the salad. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using black olives and feta, prepare those as well.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Add cheese and garnish: If desired, crumble feta cheese over the salad and toss lightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
6. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for 1-2 hours before serving for an even better flavor.

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Notes

For added protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added.Change up the cheese: Swap feta for mozzarella, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a different flavor.Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the salad.Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, avocados, or roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg