Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This spinach pasta salad is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or a light lunch. It's bursting with fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, showcasing the best of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the spinach, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If using, pit and halve the Kalamata olives and toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, olives (if using), and pine nuts (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Spinach Pasta Salad:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, tomatoes, and herbs make a big difference in the flavor of the salad.
- Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice textural element.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste: If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice or vinegar. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions to this salad.
- Change up the cheese: Goat cheese or Parmesan cheese are delicious alternatives to feta.
- Add different vegetables: Bell peppers, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts would be tasty additions.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This spinach pasta salad recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also healthy and easy to prepare. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in your recipe book for quick and healthy meal options. Enjoy!