Description
A vibrant and healthy Crispy Spinach Pasta Salad featuring al dente rotini, fresh spinach, tangy dried cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinegar and honey Dijon dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian salad offers a delightful texture contrast with crispy spinach leaves and is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Nuts
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, fresh baby spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted sliced almonds.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Make Crispy Spinach: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach becomes crispy. Remove from heat and fold the crispy spinach into the salad to add contrasting texture.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute toasted sunflower seeds for the almonds.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase protein content.
- For a sweeter dressing, increase the honey slightly or add a splash of orange juice.
- Using fresh cranberries instead of dried will provide a tarter bite but may require additional honey in the dressing.
