Spinach & Artichoke Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Spinach & Artichoke Pasta Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic dip. It combines whole-grain pasta, tender artichokes, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, tossed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s high in fiber, protein, and vitamins, perfect for a weight-friendly, satisfying meal.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook pasta: 8–10 minutes
Assemble: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Pasta & Base
1 cup whole-grain orzo, fusilli, or penne
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Vegetables
1 cup canned or fresh artichoke hearts, quartered
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
Cheese & Nuts
50 g feta or halloumi, crumbled or cubed
1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or almonds
Dressing
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions
Drain and rinse under cold water for a chilled salad
Prepare Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper
Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, spinach, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion
Add feta and nuts
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently
Serve
Chill for 10 minutes for flavors to meld or serve immediately
Garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired
Tips
Use grilled artichokes for a smoky Mediterranean flavor
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein
For creamier dressing, whisk in 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt
Can prep up to 2 days ahead for meal prep
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes — replace feta with tofu cubes or plant-based cheese.
Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely — skip chilling, serve immediately after tossing
Is it weight-loss friendly?
Yes — whole grains, lots of veggies, moderate healthy fats
Can I add olives?
Yes — Kalamata olives pair perfectly with spinach and artichokes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 38 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 6 g