This bright salad is a tasty mix of fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it’s quick and easy to whip up!
I love how it comes together in a snap! Just toss the ingredients and enjoy a crunchy and refreshing dish. Great for those busy days when you still want something healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Shell pasta works well, but feel free to use any small pasta like bowtie or elbow macaroni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives if you’re looking for healthier or dietary options.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for its tender texture. If you can’t find it, kale or arugula can make fun substitutes, bringing a different taste.
Feta Cheese: I love using crumbled feta for a tangy kick. If you’re dairy-free, try using tofu feta or omit cheese altogether while adding more herbs.
Cherry Tomatoes: While I prefer the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, you can substitute them with diced regular tomatoes; just be sure to seed them to avoid excess moisture.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta can be tricky! Follow these steps to get that perfect al dente texture:
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the cooking time on the package and start tasting about 2 minutes before the time is up.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep your salad fresh and avoids mushy pasta!
Easy Spinach Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) shell pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the pasta and chopping the veggies, then just mix everything together. If you chill it for about 30 minutes, the flavors will blend beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps cool it down—set it aside for later!
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a big mixing bowl, add the chopped spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. It’s starting to look colorful and tasty!
3. Add the Cheese and Herbs:
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. They add a wonderful flavor and texture to the salad!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will give your salad a nice, zesty kick!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the big bowl. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are coated with that yummy dressing.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad and decide if it needs more salt or pepper. Adjust to your liking—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you want the flavors to marry together even more. Enjoy the fresh and colorful spinach tomato salad with feta cheese!
Can I Substitute the Pasta for a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for perfect results!
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No worries! You can easily substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Both will still provide a nice tang to the dressing!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and it may need an extra drizzle of olive oil or vinegar to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add cucumbers, olives, or even artichoke hearts. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors, and chop the veggies into similar sizes for even mixing!
