Get ready to transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian coastline with this absolutely irresistible Spinach Sundried Tomatoes Pasta Salad! Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a vibrant culinary experience that combines the freshness of spinach, the intense flavor of sundried tomatoes, and the tangy kick of feta cheese. This isn't just another pasta salad - it's a quick, nutritious, and mouthwatering creation that will become your new go-to recipe for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner that feels like a gourmet treat.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and chop 2 cups of fresh spinach and set aside. Chop 1/2 cup of sundried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and set aside as well.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of sliced olives. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a short while if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Spinach Sundried Tomatoes Pasta Salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle that can hold the dressing and mix well with other ingredients.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked just right - firm to the bite. Overcooking can make the salad mushy.
- Cool Pasta Completely: Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from continuing to soften.
- Let Flavors Marry: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the dressing penetrate the ingredients.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken, swap feta for another cheese, or include additional herbs like basil or oregano.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Add the dressing close to serving time to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
