This bright and fresh salad brings together crunchy spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese for a tasty treat. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for any meal!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of the salty feta mixed with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Every bite is a burst of flavor! 🥗
Making this salad is so easy; just toss everything together and you’re set. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those greens without feeling boring!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta shape resembles little ears and holds dressing well. However, if you don’t have orecchiette, try shells, rotini, or even penne. They all work great!
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is tender and mild. You can substitute it with kale or arugula, but remember they can have a stronger flavor and a tougher texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add brightness. If they’re out of season, you might use diced regular tomatoes or even grape tomatoes instead!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta offers a tangy flavor. For a milder taste, try crumbled goat cheese or even queso fresco. Vegan options are great too!
Red Wine Vinegar: It gives a lovely acidity. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even balsamic vinegar will work as substitutes.
How Do I Ensure My Salad is Well-Mixed and Tasty?
To make sure every bite is delicious, follow these tips for mixing and dressing your salad:
- Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. Rinsing it stops the cooking process and prevents mushiness.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. This allows you to toss them together evenly without crushing the spinach or tomatoes.
- Mix your dressing in a separate container. This helps in combining the flavors well before adding it to the salad.
- Toss gently! Use a spatula or big spoon to avoid breaking up the veggies or feta.
- Let the salad chill. Refrigerating for 30 minutes helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
Trust me, these small steps make a big difference!
Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or similar small pasta shape)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time to gather your ingredients and make the salad. You’ll also want an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator, allowing all those fantastic flavors to blend together. Altogether, you’re looking at 45 minutes, and then you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and adding the orecchiette pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain well so it doesn’t become soggy!
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While the pasta cools, take a large mixing bowl and add the roughly chopped spinach, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Mixing these colorful veggies makes everything look lovely!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it well until everything is combined beautifully and looks slightly thickened.
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the delicious dressing over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon or spatula, making sure the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely without crushing them.
5. Add Feta:
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. You can either fold it in gently to mix it or leave it as a garnish on top for a beautiful finishing touch!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps meld all those tasty flavors together. After chilling, serve the salad cold or at room temperature as a crisp and refreshing side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
This salad is a vibrant mix of tender spinach, juicy tomatoes, hearty pasta, and tangy feta, all drizzled with a simple oregano vinaigrette. Perfect for warm days or whenever you’re craving something fresh! 🥗
FAQ for Fresh Spinach Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, fusilli, or rotini. Just ensure you cook it al dente for the best texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it just as tasty the next day!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will taste fantastic!
What Can I Substitute For Feta Cheese?
If you want a different flavor, crumbled goat cheese, queso fresco, or even a dairy-free cheese can work great. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change slightly!
