This fresh spinach and tomato salad is a bright and healthy choice! With juicy tomatoes and creamy feta, it brings a burst of flavor to your table. Yum!
I love how quick this salad is to toss together. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side for dinner. Trust me, you’ll want to make it often! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta’s shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. If you don’t have it, try small shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is mild and tender. If you only have mature spinach, just chop it finely. Kale or arugula can also work for a different flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and juiciness. You can swap these with grape tomatoes, or if they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes—just drain them well.
Feta Cheese: Creamy feta gives this salad its rich flavor. If you prefer something different, try goat cheese or even ricotta for a creamier texture.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta can be tricky! To ensure it’s just right, follow these steps:
- Start with boiling salted water. The salt adds flavor.
- Add the pasta and stir it well to prevent sticking.
- Cook until al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it—check the package for time.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy.
- Let it cool before mixing with other ingredients to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Creamy Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or similar small pasta shape)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes around 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix in Fresh Veggies:
To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the chopped spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and basil. These fresh ingredients will add color and nutrition to your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies in the bowl. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add the Creamy Feta:
Carefully sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Fold it in gently to avoid breaking up the feta too much—its creaminess is an essential part of the dish!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give the salad a quick taste. If you want more flavor, feel free to add more salt or pepper to suit your taste.
7. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it right away, too!
8. Enjoy Your Salad:
Once chilled, the salad is ready to be served! It’s light and fresh, perfect as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or fish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Creamy Feta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is recommended, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape, like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Basil or Parsley?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available—just use about a third of the amount (1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead of 2 tablespoons of fresh). Alternatively, you can leave them out altogether for a simpler flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and pasta!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make the salad vegan, simply omit the creamy feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. You can also use a vinaigrette without honey for the dressing.
