Description
A flavorful and nutritious pasta salad combining spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.
Ingredients
8 ounces (225g) bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
4 cups (120g) Fresh Spinach, WA
1 cup (150g) DR
1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup (60g) red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup (40g) toasted pine nuts or walnuts
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (45ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Section 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
(Optional sentence about aiming for al dente texture).
Section 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
(Optional sentence about the dressing’s flavor balance).
Section 3: Drain and Cool the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool for about 5 minutes.
(Optional sentence about not over-chilling the pasta).
Section 4: Combined Tea Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and toasted nuts.
(Optional sentence about layering ingredients).
Section 5: Dress and Toss
For the prepared dressing over the sala
(Optional sentence about dressing consistency).
Section 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
(Optional Sentence Describing why to rest).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spinach pasta salad, feta, cranberries, balsamic dressing, vegetarian, healthy, recipe, easy, quick, potluck, side dish