Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach is a vibrant symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds like a joyous celebration. Imagine the sweet-tart pop of cranberries mingling with creamy feta, all nestled among tender bowtie pasta and fresh spinach. Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf Each bite bursts with color and texture, making it perfect for summer picnics or holiday gatherings. Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole Whether you’re trying to impress your in-laws or just want to elevate your lunch game, this salad promises to make mouths water and hearts flutter. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi recipe.
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a potluck where my culinary skills were still somewhat of a mystery to my friends. They were skeptical, but as soon as they took their first bites, the looks on their faces said it all—pure delight! This Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach quickly became the star of the show, proving that even a novice can whip up something spectacular. Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- The flavor profile strikes a balance between sweet and savory, ensuring everyone will be reaching for seconds
- Its visual appeal makes it a stunning centerpiece at any table setting
- With its versatility, you can enjoy it as a side dish or make it the main event by adding grilled chicken or shrimp
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends dubbed me “Salad Queen” after that potluck experience—who knew bowties could bring so much joy?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bowtie Pasta: Use standard-sized bowties for fun shapes; al dente is key for texture.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach for its tender leaves that complement the other ingredients perfectly.
- Dried Cranberries: Choose plump cranberries; they add sweetness and a chewy bite that’s irresistible.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creaminess; use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zingy crunch; soak in water briefly if you prefer milder flavors.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; drizzle generously over the salad just before serving.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use aged balsamic vinegar for a sweet tang that ties everything together beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are essential; adjust to taste based on personal preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot and cooking your bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing will elevate your salad’s flavor—don’t skip this step!
Toss in the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, fresh spinach, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced red onion. Gently fold everything together for an even distribution.
Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently yet thoroughly until every ingredient is well-coated with that delicious dressing. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps meld all those fabulous flavors together while keeping everything fresh and crisp.
Now you have an enticing Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach that’s ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you!
You Must Know
- This delicious Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully
- The bright colors and fresh aromas will elevate any table setting
- Plus, it’s perfect for potlucks or as a light lunch, ensuring you’ll impress everyone around you
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted water while prepping the salad ingredients. Mix everything in a large bowl once the pasta cools down, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for protein. Experimenting with nuts like pecans or walnuts can also enhance texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best quality, enjoy it cold without reheating to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality feta cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor
- Always rinse your pasta under cold water after cooking to stop it from becoming mushy
- A splash of lemon juice not only brightens up the salad but also adds a refreshing zing
Sharing this recipe at a family gathering brought everyone together—my uncle declared it his new favorite dish! Watching their surprised reactions made my day extra special, reminding me why I love cooking so much. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
FAQ
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Using dried cranberries works wonderfully and adds a chewy texture to the salad.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese is a great alternative that maintains creaminess and tanginess in the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace feta with tofu or avocado and ensure no honey is used in dressings.
Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad with Spinach is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet-tart cranberries, creamy feta, and fresh spinach tossed with al dente bowtie pasta creates a visually stunning dish that will impress family and friends alike. Whether for summer picnics or festive gatherings, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, cranberries, feta cheese, and red onion. Gently toss to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Substitute spinach with kale for added texture. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can enhance flavor.