Spinach Pasta Salad with Cranberries
Spinach Pasta Salad with Cranberries a sweet and savory cold salad that works great as a side dish, light lunch, or meal prep option. The tart cranberries, fresh spinach, chewy pasta, and creamy dressing come together for a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.
Total time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups dry pasta (bowties, rotini, or penne)
2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries (preferably low-sugar or unsweetened)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Notes & Tips:
Low-carb version: Use chickpea pasta or a whole wheat version.
Dairy-free: Omit feta or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to make it a meal.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool quickly.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3.Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, cranberries, onion, feta, and nuts.
4. Toss & Serve
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for more developed flavor
Nutrional information
Protein: ~8g
Fat: ~14g
Carbs~38g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~7g
frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! It holds up well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Add nuts and spinach just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Dried is best here for balance and chew. Fresh ones are too tart unless cooked down or candied.
Q: What goes well with this salad?
A: It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or as a holiday potluck side.