This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. It’s a colorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal!
I love how quick it is to whip up this salad! Just toss everything together, and you have a tasty treat that’s both crunchy and satisfying—what’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette gives a fun texture, but you can swap in small shell pasta, penne, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Each choice adds a different feel to your salad!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is essential for this salad. If unavailable, feel free to use baby kale or mixed greens for a similar effect. Just keep an eye on the textures!
Feta Cheese: Creamy feta is what makes this dish special. If you want a non-dairy option, try crumbled tofu mixed with a splash of lemon juice for flavor. Ricotta can also be used for a creamier finish.
Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar adds brightness, but lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works well too. Just adjust the amount to taste since they have different levels of acidity.
How Do You Make Sure the Feta Doesn’t Crumble Too Much?
To keep your feta intact, add it last to the salad and gently fold it in. Mixing it too much can break it down further, so use a light hand.
- Once your salad is dressed, sprinkle the feta on top.
- Use a spatula to carefully lift and mix without smashing the cheese.
And don’t worry if some crumbles break — it’ll still taste delicious!
Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Creamy Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or small shell pasta)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, which includes cooking the pasta and assembling all the ingredients together. It’s a quick and fun way to enjoy a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to let it drain completely.
2. Prep Your Veggies:
While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. This colorful mix makes your salad look and taste amazing!
3. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Give it a little stir to start blending the flavors together.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing adds a delicious zing to the salad!
5. Dress Your Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients in the dressing evenly.
6. Add the Feta:
Now for the good part! Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to break it down too much. This creamy addition makes the salad extra special!
7. Final Touches:
Taste your salad and sprinkle in any more salt and pepper you think it needs. You can serve it right away, or if you have time, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and develop even more!
8. Enjoy!
Your Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad with Creamy Feta is now ready to enjoy! Serve it as a refreshing side dish or make it a light main course. Either way, it’s a delicious treat that’s sure to brighten your meal!
FAQ for Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Creamy Feta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can substitute it with small shell pasta, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with vegan feta or crumbled tofu mixed with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add some avocado for creaminess!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the salad undressed if you plan on storing it, as this keeps the veggies fresh and crisp!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other colorful veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or sliced radishes. Just make sure to keep the size of the pieces consistent for even mixing!
