This colorful salad is a perfect mix of fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s super simple and bursting with flavors that make your taste buds happy!
Every bite is like a little party in your mouth. I love tossing it together for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it makes me feel healthy—like I’m winning at adulting! 😄
Just remember, you can add your favorite dressing on top to make it even better. Enjoying this salad feels like treating yourself, without the guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta’s shape helps to hold the dressing and ingredients well. You can swap it for any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a nice crunch and nutrition. If you’re out of spinach, consider using arugula or mixed greens instead for a peppery twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy. If you can’t find them, any type of ripe tomato will work, just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Canned tomatoes in a pinch can be used but drain well.
Feta Cheese: This cheese adds a salty flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using diced avocado for creaminess or a vegan feta substitute. Crumbled goat cheese is a tasty alternative too!
How Can I Make Extra Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing in this salad is key to tying all the flavors together. Making it right can elevate your salad!
- Start with good-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh juice (lemon works great!).
- Whisk the oil, vinegar or lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. This blends the ingredients well.
- Taste your dressing! You might want to adjust the balance—add more vinegar for tang, or a pinch of salt.
A jar works nicely for easy shaking! Just add the ingredients and give it a good shake until mixed.
Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) orecchiette pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 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 salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta. It’s quick to make, and once you throw everything together, you can decide to serve it right away or let it chill for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped fresh spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. This mix adds a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to your salad.
3. Combine Pasta and Vegetables:
Now that the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with your colorful vegetable mixture. This is where all the flavors will start to come together!
4. Add the Feta Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Feta will add a nice salty kick that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it gently. You want to coat all the ingredients evenly without squashing anything. This step is crucial to bring the salad to life!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste! You may want to sprinkle in a little more salt, black pepper, or even vinegar to cater to your preference.
8. Serve:
Your salad is ready! You can serve it immediately, or if you have time, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together even more.
This salad is not only light and refreshing but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it as a nutritious lunch or a tasty side dish at dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for this salad, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, you can use crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try diced avocado, or use a vegan feta substitute if preferred.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving the leftovers to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the veggies stay fresh and crisp!
